Customer Reviews

The Alliance

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've never understood some of these romances where the conflict between the man and woman is so artificial as to be laughable. Stories where the woman is a spoiled brat who heaps abuse on the man, or where the man is so dominating that one expects him to club the little woman and drag her by the hair back to his cave just make me wonder why anyone would want to get into a relationship with that kind of toxic person.

The conflict in "The Alliance" developed from a situation that "felt" real, and the characters were not mindlessly combative with each other, but acted consistently throughout, even as they were growing and developing within the constraints of the story. Even though Reuel starts out thinking he can thoughtlessly dominate the women in his life, he soon begins to realize that domination isn't necessarily emotionally fulfilling. (Hey! He has human emotions! Imagine that!) Christa is a strong female character in that she logically sees that she must compromise in a situation she can't change, and realizes that not only is the hero an admirable man in many ways, but also that haranguing the hero only makes him more resistant to change. (Personally, when someone starts shouting at me and telling me I'm wrong, I tend to dig in my heels!)

My favorite moment in the book is when Christa tells Reuel that she is bored, and he is honestly surprised that the mere fact of being his wife isn't fulfilling her. Frankly, I, too, would like to be pampered and have people wait on me hand and foot for a while, just as a change of pace, but I can see that it would certainly get boring after a short time, particularly if you are used to thinking and doing.

Although I really enjoy SF romance, many authors are good at either the SF part or the Romance part, but not both. Romance writers tend to have strange concepts about what SF is. Weird words describing things and awkward descriptions of "alien" things tend to jar me out of the world of the story and make it difficult to grok the romance. SF writers who try to write romance tend to write an SF story, then, when their editor tells them to add romantic interest, they add a relationship that reads as the afterthought that it is. I like to have both a good SF story and a good romance. I know it can be done, because a few authors have managed to do it. In this sense, "The Alliance" is among the few that smoothly combine both elements. (The only correction I'd make is to call people from Earth "Terrans" - "Earthling" sounds so 1950-ish!)

Finally, I really like the title - "The Alliance" is the name of the federation in which the story takes place, but it can also mean "The Alliance" between two people for the benefit of others. Very sophisticated.

A bit hackneyed in the woman railing against her "fate" with very little give on the part of the male with sex overcoming all impediments and forced exposure leading to love. Towards the end a more "meeting of equals" does occur but it took too long to get there, in my opinion (two-thirds of the book). The story line is the relationship. Regardless, it was interesting for its depiction of the larger society. Not as interesting as True Blood where the characters are depicted on a more equal footing with plot and characters equally prevalent and each moves the other along.

Due to an infection, Lord Reuel Shatar, governor of the planet Pyrali, cannot have children with a woman of his own species. As a result, he feels duti-bound to find a woman from another race, even though he doesn't feel too comfortable with the idea of having to deal with a woman who is likely to be a lot less submissive and pliant than the women he's used to. Christa Kirklan belongs to the descendants of an earthling colony ship that crash-landed on Pyrali. They were allowed to stay and settle, but centuries later, they still don't have the same rights as the other races that are members of the Aliance. When Christa holds a passionate speech to the ruling council and is arrested, Lord Reuel's advisor has her checked and presents his findings: Genetically she's a perfect match for Reuel. So despite some misgivings, Lord Reuel decides to "do his duty" and marry the fiery earthling - whether she wants to or not! He blackmails her with a choice between banishment to a frigid asteroid and marriage to him. She agrees, not just because of the blackmail but because she thinks that as the wife of the most powerful man on the planet she can help her people. Both feel attracted to each other almost from the start, but their different cultures and expectations lead to clashes. Will the two headstrong people overcome their differences and learn to admit their feelings for each other?
Just as "Whispers in the stars", this novel is another great futuristic romance in which Waddell develops characters with great depth, an interesting society and a lot of erotic tension. I definitely enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who's not so much looking for sci-fi action, but a lot of atmosphere, and who wants to really be taken to another culture and the conflicts that arise between people that come from very different backgrounds and have to work at overcoming their differences in order to find happiness and love. A great book, one of the best in the genre.

By TT reviewer Briana Lambert [Full review on our website]

The bug that was felt all around Pyrali was the one that bit Reuel Shatar. As governor of Pyrali and the eldest son of his house he is increasingly pressured to produce a male heir. His child will be the next ruler of the Alliance, and as time goes on, the pressure mounts. The only problem is the nasty bug that bit the governor. It's bite has rendered him infertile to the females of his species. Relief comes with the discovery that all is not lost. Reuel can reproduce with earthling females. The aliens have lived on his planet for many years, but are discriminated against and treated very much like inferiors.

Christa Kirklan is an earthling and a tireless supporter for the rights of her species. Outspoken, spunky, and stubborn about her rights, the young teacher has found herself imprisoned for treason when she went too far far with her demands for equal representation for earthlings in the Pyrali government for her fellow humans. She has no idea that the course of her fate will soon be altered.

When Reuel discovers that Christa is his best choice for a mate he is shocked. The woman is nothing like those of his own race. Instead of the demure quiet nature that he is used to, Christa immediately lets him know that she is no pushover. She reluctantly agrees to marry him when it becomes clear that she will be able to help the earthlings with her alliance to the governor. But this marriage is not destined for happily ever after. Reuel and Christa are very different people and they have much to learn from one another. Only by learning how to conform their duty and freedom, can they become a match to last a lifetime.

The Alliance was very unique both in its plotting and detail. Not just a futuristic, there were shades of Regency romance as well. Reuel and Christa were both three-dimensional characters that integrated well with the Pyrali world. Appealing to a wide audience, The Alliance is a standout!

This is a great read from Lionhearted, an independent press that puts out wonderful romance novels. If you are a fan of Dara Joy I suggest you also give THE ALLIANCE a try. I think this novel is superior in many ways. The overall quality of the writing was top-noch and kept me turning pages, the complexity and depth of the characters had me hooked from the first meeting, and the romance relationship was never overpowered by sub plots or minor characters, yet the secondary characters add just the right blend to the overall book.
The opening line -- "I have found a suitable female, my lord." -- sets the pace and kept me up all night. It's a real page turner, and a keeper! I found it more sensually hot than any of Dara Joy's books, but without corssing the line into erotica. The love scenes are hot, but not offensive or mechanical. Yes, it is sexy, but the way the story weaves around major issues makes this an unusual read for a romance. It is an insightful, powerful and romantic read set in space that offers us a mirror to current mankind's issues and prejudices against nationalities, social classes, women, moral values, honor and duty,
The hero, Lord Reuel Shatar, needs an heir to keep the House of Shatar from falling into disgrace when next the Shatar's turn to rule comes around. He anticipates marrying another his family has approved of for years and is on the brink of that commitment when he finds he cannot bear a child with one of his own kind, and therefore must find a suitable mate from outside his class and species. His trustworthy, very wise (crafty), elder, finds Reuel a mate, an earthling female in prison for her outspoken views on equality for women and other unfortunates put down by the current House of Shatar. Lord Reuel Shatar is a powerful hero yet he finds he must resort to blackmail to get his reluctant bride into marrage and into bed, something he must do soon to remain a ruling house in The Alliance. They instantly dislike each other, but there is reluctant attraction, and thus the sparks fly. The love scenes (some of the best in the romance genre) ignite, and the two experience many challenges with their new union that keep them at odds. They both learn and grow from their shared experiences, and ultimately unite in a test of their love to save the House of Shatar.
I highly recommend this book.

Not worth the price. I really like this author's books but her mass market books have better plot and characters. For the price I was pretty let down. This book could be more 2 and half stars but I still can't feel it was worth what I paid. All I can say is if you are interested and out of futuristic romances to read try the ebook version if there is one.

THE ALLIANCE is a wonderful science/fiction, romance adventure. One of the best I have read. It is a story of politics, discrimination, and love.

Reuel Shatar is governor of Pyrali, he is stoic and intent on fulfilling his duty to the Alliance. Due to an insect bite he is no longer fertile with his own race. Desperate to have the son who will be the next ruler of the Alliance, the Cadish, he forces a young earthling woman to become his wife.

Christa Kirklan is brought to his attention by his advisor and friend Minlim. She is in holding because of an outburst against the treatment of the earthling minority on the planet. She is a firey outspoken beautiful young woman.

Although each enters the marriage for different reasons they are soon caught in the attraction each feels for the other. But Christa can't accept the restrictions of her new status. She is to be seen not heard.

The battles between the two lead to deeper understanding of the other. Only when all is revealed and danger stalks the planet can these two find the hope and love concealed in the other.

I loved it and encourage anyone who hasn't read it to get it today.

I was quite disappointed with this book, especially considering the high cost.

I wanted to like it. The premise is fresh, and some of the scenes are quite well written. Waddell has created a complex and unique universe in which to set her story, and I give her serious points for that. Even so, we only get to spend a week or two in the lives of the characters, and it's completely unrealistic how quickly they fall for each other under the given circumstances. I do like how Christa comes to understand her husband's focus on duty after she herself takes on that role for her people, but I don't have any idea why Reuel decides to change his opinion about her progressive attitudes - other than the formulaic "I didn't know what I had until I almost lost it" plot device.

I have mixed feelings about this author. In general, I think her writing is good quality, though she does seem to reuse the same premise frequently. I just started her Gentleman's Club series, and I have to say that has been my favorite. I would recommend picking up one of those, or perhaps Diamond In The Rough, which has an unusual setting that makes up for any cliches in the plot.

This is an excellent semi-futuristic. Semi-futuristic? Yes, as it's set on another planet in the future but without the usual supernatural and/or magic elements. What is magic, though, is the superior story, fast pace, bold heroin and to-die-for hero. Everything you're looking for! Sex? It's not Dara Joy-like explicit, but definitely titillating. An A+ read that you're sure to enjoy.

The Alliance is undoubtedly the best futuristic "romance" I have ever read. And I stress the word romance. It's a love story beginning to end on a wonderfully described world with enchanting, believable characters. I can't fault this book for anything. It's a truly fabulous read for those who enjoy futurisitcs and romances alike - the author, Patricia Waddell, has written a beautiful story that will hook any fan of romance. Can't wait to read her again.