6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
PHENOMINAL ... You must read this book, March 10, 2005
This review is from: Darkscape: The Rebel Lord (Paperback)
First off, I just finished this book and knowing the sequel will be out in June (2005), has me chomping at the bit to read it... I also have to say that this book is worth every penny if you choose to buy it in paper format.
Before the wars started, two fathers hoping to end the tension between the clans betrothed Lachlan Douglas and Kimberly Kincade. However, when a traitor to the Douglas' throws everyone into war, the marriage contract is forgotten, as clan Douglas becomes the enemy to all the other clans.
Many years later, Kimberly is a fighter pilot on the warship Shadowkeep. Because she has doubts about the sanity of her commanding officer, Rama and his reasons for attacking a Douglas stronghold on Mars she is part of a secret resistance group trying to end the war. But it isn't until she finds the first line Douglas on the Shadowkeep close to dieing from his injuries that Kimberly decides, for the sake of ending the war to rescue Lachlan.
Lachlan cannot believe that Kimberly is willing to aide him from escaping one of the men responsible for causing the war and warning his father about the up coming attacks on their other strongholds. However, when Rama tracks them down and catches them, Kimberly again tries to aide his escape. Even though it means his own death, Lachlan steps in front of a laser blast meant for her.
Grab your seat belts people and get strapped in, because R Garland Gray has written an extraordinary futuristic novel in space! There is nothing simple about this plot line and while it's riddled with scenarios that will keep your nose glued to the book; her writing style is straightforward and easy to follow.
One of my favorite things about this book is how the Celtic heritage has evolved. For me, I love Scottish historicals and I love futuristics novels, so there couldn't be a more perfect combination than this book! The keeps built on other planets are modeled after castles from Scotland on "Ancient Earth"; and while the hero doesn't run around in a kilt, he does wear armbands etched with his families' motto. And lets not forget the Scottish brogue...it was just enough to remind you that our characters actually have a heritage (so it wasn't mentioned then dropped for the duration of the story), and not overwhelming by making you sound out your sentences because of words that are hard to pronounce.
While some of the more scientific occurrences that happen in DARKSCAPE seem like they should be far-fetched, I found them all the more interesting because, for example I've just been reading about how we (earthlings) are discussing terra-forming Mars...so the technology IS here and under discussion. I really felt like Ms Gray did some research for our future living off of Earth. Don't worry though, the science isn't overwhelming and don't get mislead, DARKSCAPE is an excellent romance, with some very passionate love scenes.
R Garland Gray has done an excellent job, I think with her character development. Someone betrayed Lachlan's family, and honestly, I was surprised by who it was. Likewise, the enemy is so well written, he is someone you can easily hate, and I found myself unable to stop reading (but not the only reason) because I needed to make sure he got his comeuppance!
If you like futuristic romances written by CJ Barry, Catherine Spangler or Linnea Sinclair, I highly recommend DARKSCAPE: THE REBEL LORD.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
pre-Culloden Scotland in outer space, June 22, 2005
This review is from: Darkscape: The Rebel Lord (Paperback)
In 3210 the solar system peace between the clans is fragile. Many pray that the upcoming peace conference will strengthen those wanting cooperation rather than war. However, one of the attendees, Commander Lin Jacob Rama leads an attack on Clan Douglas on Ceres. He takes Lachlan de Douglas, heir to the clan, prisoner.
Combat pilot Lieutenant Kimberly Kinsdale worries that madness is taking over her commander's mind. She fears the assault and abduction of Lachlan will lead to clan warfare. Her only hope to prevent what seems like Rama's deliberate sabotage of the peace conference is to rescue Lachlan, which she succeeds in doing though she is branded a traitor and deserter. As the two warriors try to expose a deadly conspiracy that has the planetary clans at war, they fall in love, but saving humanity remains the prime directive.
The premise behind the Darkscape tales is simply placing pre-Culloden Scotland in outer space; thus clan wars are all over the solar system and where they are not, hostilities are one incident away from exploding. Kimberly is a remarkable protagonist struggling between performing her duty by doing the ethically correct thing vs. loyalty to her superior officer and her clan by obeying orders. Her dilemma makes the early segment of the story line very appealing while the rest of the tale continues that strong ethical exciting start. For instance, Lachlan is terrific in the co-lead role as he must sacrifice his personal quest for vengeance for the better good of all the clans. Together they make quite a force though the enemy seems quite insurmountable. R. Garland Gray provides readers with a superior stimulating space opera.
Harriet Klausner
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