Gabriel's Ghost (Dock Five Universe, #1)

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Gabriel's Ghost (Dock Five Universe #1)

by Linnea Sinclair (Goodreads Author)

3.6 of 5 stars 3.60 · rating details · 1,709 ratings · 251 reviews

Award-winning author Linnea Sinclair brings her special sizzle to science fiction with this action-packed blend of otherworldly adventure and sexy stellar romance.…

After a decade of piloting interstellar patrol ships, former captain Chasidah Bergren, onetime pride of the Sixth Fleet, finds herself court-martialed for a crime she didn’t commit–and shipped off to a remote pr...more

Paperback, 447 pages

Published October 25th 2005 by Bantam (first published 2005)

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Sep 05, 2010 Beanbag Love rated it 3 of 5 stars

I just never totally settled into this book. To be fair, I don't tend to like science fiction. I loved "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" but that's about the level I tend to go for, it seems. Regular people dealing with alien races.

I'm not even sure why this is. I can deal with the strange races and places: Takas, Stolorths, Moabar, when they're in fantasy -- I mean I have no problem with hobbits -- but somehow they seem inaccessible to me in sci fi. I can't really explain it except that fanta...more I just never totally settled into this book. To be fair, I don't tend to like science fiction. I loved "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" but that's about the level I tend to go for, it seems. Regular people dealing with alien races.

I'm not even sure why this is. I can deal with the strange races and places: Takas, Stolorths, Moabar, when they're in fantasy -- I mean I have no problem with hobbits -- but somehow they seem inaccessible to me in sci fi. I can't really explain it except that fantasy generally deals with a world similar to what surrounds me and sci fi deals with outer space.

Still, I tried to put all that aside and just enjoy the romantic adventure story between Chasidah and Sullivan. That ended up not working out so well, unfortunately, because the main device used to maintain tension between the hero and heroine was deception via omission. Secrets told in little dribs and drabs until the end of the book and a character that constantly says "trust me". Um ... why? There was no reason for trust and plenty of reason for fear. Sinclair seemed to want to make a point against bigotry, but we weren't just dealing with different races, we were dealing with someone who wasn't providing information and who was legitimately a potential danger to others. The only reason to trust that person was because we know them. Only they keep getting busted with secrets so why in the world would anyone think they know enough to trust?

Sorry for the rant. I genuinely wanted to like this couple and this story. Some of the characters were intriguing so I'll see if following stories focus on them. I would be willing to continue if I thought we would get a better relationship arc.

So, not giving any spoilers it's a bit vague, but I think you catch my drift. It's just like other stories I've been frustrated with in the past. I don't like deception in romance unless it's absolutely necessary, dealt with believably, and ends by about the halfway mark. Otherwise I have no reason to believe in the continued connection of the couple.

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May 04, 2008 Susiq2 rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who loves adventure with science fiction, outer space, and a love interest that is Hot.

Recommended to Susiq2 by: I found this book after reading Finders Keepers by Linnea Sincla

I have read this fabulous story a few times already, but the sequel is coming out soon, and I am re-reading it again for a smooth transition to Shades of Dark by Linnea Sinclair.(The Sequel).

This book is for anyone who adores SFR. The hero is welcome to move in here with me anytime he so wishes. Did I mention that he is drop dead gorgeous, has supernatural powers, and can help you get to sleep when he is not busy saving your life? The heroine is feisty, smart, brave, and pretty. I wish I were h...more

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Jul 03, 2008 Julie (jjmachshev) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008-reads

What a fabulous read. "Gabriel's Ghost" by Linnea Sinclair is an amazing blend of romance, science fiction, fantasy, and suspense that kept me turning the pages as fast as I could. I broke down and picked up this book because its sequel "Shades of Dark" will hit the shelves on July 29, 2008 and I was curious as to whether or not to put it on my shopping list. I'm so glad I read this book and I already put the new one on my 'must buy' list!

Chaz is suspicious when she's 'rescued' from her unjust s...more

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Feb 10, 2012 Mara rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I have read two other novel by Ms Linnea. I really liked Finders Keepers and liked enough Games of Command. Gabriel's Ghost had higher reviews, so I expected it to be better. This may have been my downfall. :)

While reading Gabriel's Ghost I kept feeling echos, like a sonar, of stories past by. I know genre fiction is often formulaic. Hell, all stories are formulaic at hearth. Love stories, whether comedies or tragedies, are built on the lines of girl meets boys, problems ensue, HEA or tragedy st...more

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Oct 05, 2010 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audiobook, owned-audiobook, zz-challenge-new-author-2010, zz-challenge-bcc-scifi-2010, psychics-telepathy, read-in-2010, romance, science-fiction

Overall I really enjoyed it. It's always a bit difficult to review an audiobook, I'm never sure if my experience was similar to print readers. The audio experience emphasizes so many different things. For example, I thought the reader, actress Dina Pearlman, was terrific. Her husky voice was just perfect for Chaz. It added so much to the story, hearing the intelligent, thoughtful tones of her voice, especially with the first-person perspective. But she gave Sully a British accent that bugged the...more Overall I really enjoyed it. It's always a bit difficult to review an audiobook, I'm never sure if my experience was similar to print readers. The audio experience emphasizes so many different things. For example, I thought the reader, actress Dina Pearlman, was terrific. Her husky voice was just perfect for Chaz. It added so much to the story, hearing the intelligent, thoughtful tones of her voice, especially with the first-person perspective. But she gave Sully a British accent that bugged the heck out of me. I got used to it eventually, but I still don't like it. I just can't imagine the handsome bastard described in the story with that voice. Another issue was the insane number of repetitions of the phrase "his obsidian eyes" or variations thereof, all containing obsidian. His eyes were never black, velvety, dark, or anything other than obsidian. And in an audiobook the listener can't just skim over annoyances, when each is pronounced (out loud) the irritation is pronounced (emphasized).

As for the story, I liked it a lot. The author included a lot of details that made it feel quite real. For example, when Chas was lost in the jungle at the beginning she had a hard time seeing well because her eyes were adjusted to artificial light after so many years aboard ships. It was a small detail that I actually remembered, remarkable for me, and added a distinct sense of realism. The settings and characters are all detailed and fully-fleshed. Sully is the ultimate dream guy, a little too perfect maybe once we see all of his many layers revealed, but the revelations are handled well and Chas has a lot to come to grips with. I'm still not sure why he loves her, it seems like he was already in love with her before he rescued her in the first few pages, but the hardly knew each other. Maybe more will be revealed in the next books.

What I really liked was that although there is a strong romantic element (and some kind of cheesy sex scenes, not fun to listen to while driving), it's not a romance novel. The story is deeper than just the relationship. They have a mission, one that becomes even more serious as they discover additional layers to the situation.

Sorry, that's the best I can do! I should have written the review right when I finished the book. Plus it takes me so long to finish audiobooks that details tend to escape me. But I bought the 2nd book and started it right away, so that has to be a good sign. (less)

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Mar 01, 2009 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I re-read this as the start of reading the three book series.
Gabriel's Ghost
Shades of the Dark
Hope's Folly

Linnea Sinclair writes excellent action-oriented science fiction. She also writes excellent romance. Luckily for us she blends the two together... Tight, page-turning plot, great characters [and her aliens are outstanding:] and dialog that grabs you - it is a must read.

As are her other books - all of which are stand-alones.
An Accidental Goddess
Finders Keepers
Games of Command
The Down Home Zom...more

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Mar 23, 2008 Yune rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Catherine Asaro fans

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 22, 2008 Gina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, futuristic, mystery, own, paranormal-supernatural, romantic-suspense, science-fiction, suspense, action

Incredible Sci-Fi that’ll take you for a ride!

Stripped of her post as Captain for the interstellar Sixth Fleet after being convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Chasidah “Chaz’ Bergren is sent to Moabar prison planet, with only her Grizni dagger to protect and defend herself.

Just when she defends herself and kills a Taka, she comes face-to-face with Gabriel “Sully” Ross Sullivan, the legendary mercenary and scoundrel, whom she’d met several times before. Chaz is sure Sully loved the chases the...more

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May 22, 2013 Carolyn F. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, romance, audiobook-and-owned-book

Re-read by audiobook I wasn't planning on re-reading any of her books, but this was on sale at Audible and from the sample it sounded pretty good.

Previous review 07/21/11 Boy this book took me a while to finish. I lost interest in the beginning and read some books in between and then about halfway through it started to pick up steam. I have about 5 of this author's books and will read the others but not for a little while. Chasidah has been wrongfully convicted of a crime. Unbeknownst to her G...more

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Aug 23, 2008 Janice (Janicu) rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I read Gabriel's Ghost I was mentally comparing it with Finders Keepers, and it feels like it's a later novel. The romance is more complicated in this book, less predictable. Despite that, although the writing still pulled me in, I liked Gabriel's Ghost less than Finders Keepers. The first part of the book was very interesting, but then about halfway through, the story started to lag. I felt like the relationship should be all resolved by then and I' d like to see it build from there, but i...more

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May 04, 2008 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jens-personal-read

Linnea Sinclair got me hooked on romantic sci-fi with her last Bantam Dell release, FINDERS KEEPERS. Now, with GABRIEL'S GHOST, she's outdone herself once again, perfectly balancing the love story of her two main characters with her vivid descriptions of world-building that you're not soon to forget.

Pilot Chasidah Bergren was the one-time darling of the Imperial Sixth Fleet, a woman who could take the interstellar patrol ship she commanded in and out of places that no one else would ever dare....more Linnea Sinclair got me hooked on romantic sci-fi with her last Bantam Dell release, FINDERS KEEPERS. Now, with GABRIEL'S GHOST, she's outdone herself once again, perfectly balancing the love story of her two main characters with her vivid descriptions of world-building that you're not soon to forget.

Pilot Chasidah Bergren was the one-time darling of the Imperial Sixth Fleet, a woman who could take the interstellar patrol ship she commanded in and out of places that no one else would ever dare. She's a strong woman with an independent nature, and her rough childhood had shown her that the only person she could truly depend on was herself. Now, though, it's going to take a lot more than luck and good piloting skills to save her from the situation she's in. Accused of a crime she didn't commit, Chas has been court-martialed, found guilty, and sent to the prison planet of Moabar to serve her sentence. Not only is she an innocent woman forced to interact with hardened criminals, the harsh climate of the planet alone is almost enough to kill her-if the guards don't do it first. And as if things weren't already bad enough, one moment of danger turns into Chas killing a guard in self-defense-and suddenly she is guilty of a crime, with nowhere to run to or hide.

Who should show up just when she needs him except for Gabriel "Sully" Sullivan, a ghost from Chas's past that she'd never thought to see again. Actually, all indications pointed to Sully being dead, but the legendary mercenary, smuggler, and all around baddie is alive and well-and intent on rescuing Chas from the dangers of Moabar. Rescue her? Sully? Sure, he'd been known to show up at the strangest times, but it's pretty darn weird for him to arrive on the prison planet just when she needs him the most-and Sully knows it. Sully, though, has his own agenda, mainly getting Chas off of Moabar and coercing her to agree to help him with his plans-without her finding out the secret he's been hiding for years.

As sparks fly, like they always have, between these two head-strong individuals, they must avoid the guards of Moabar who set chase, the Imperial Sixth Fleet officers who set Chas up for her fall from grace, and the people behind the breeding jukors, the deadly creatures that Sully is on a mission to destroy. As their feelings go from deep-seated aversion to warm-hearted attraction, Chas and Sully must stay alive long enough to clear Chas's good name and reputation, and for Sully to complete his mission.

Ms. Sinclair does a perfect job of blending sci-fi, technology, world-building, and romance in GABRIEL'S GHOST. For all lovers of science fiction romance, this book is not one to be missed. If you're like me, when you're finished you'll be eagerly anticipating her next release, AN ACCIDENTAL GODDESS. (less)

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Apr 10, 2013 H.L. Peacock rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-or-romance, nuts-and-bolts

The two stars are for the intensely interesting setting. Plot-wise, this is another in a long line of "creepily controlling but also pathetically lovestruck sprinkled with just enough damage" love interests and "seemingly bad-ass but ultimately easily self-subjugating" female leads.

Characters' personalities do completely story convenient 180s so often I was left wondering if the heroine is the most self absorbed person in the world, or just the most self-deluded.

As a rule I don't enjoy explicit...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Janet rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: space

2.5 stars
Gabriel's Ghost is a better mix of space action and romance than many futuristic romances. Like many space war series, the novel focuses on a single covert mission, and we are only tangentially introduced to the complexities of the universe. Sinclair wrote a fantastic opening scene, a likeable heroine, and smooth, crisp action. However, the central romance is a two-stop love train: stop one, lusty crush, and stop two, avowed love with angst over secrets and psy powers. And oh, man, does...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Belinda McBride rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5, rounded up for overall quality.

This book never really grabbed me and shook me. That said, when I put it down, I never really forgot about it. (lately I've been putting books down and not coming back.) I looked forward to picking it back up to read.

I'll spare you the summary and just talk a little about what I liked and didn't like.

This is written from the heroine's POV. Oddly, I never connected totally with her. She did a great job with portraying the feelings and intent of other character...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Kerry rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 10, 2006, romance, sf, 2008, 9

ORIGINAL READ: 10/10 (22 February 2006 - 26 February 2006)

I really liked this. When I started, I didn't think I was going to like it as much as "Finders Keepers", partly because I'd really liked that one, and also because there seemed to be an early focus on physical attraction, which is one of the things that annoys me about romance novels when they go overboard on the "fire though the veins" stuff and the like. However, the story quickly settled down into a complex plot and and even more compl...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Lissalye rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Read Grimspace instead

I give up. Had I been able to finish this book I would have given it 2 stars. Seeing as how I'm 60% in on my kindle and I cannot bear another page of it even though I have struggled to come this far, its over. One star it is. I highly recommend Grimspace by Ann Aguirre instead, similar themes only 10 times better.
I had so many problems with this book. I got the sample first and liked the opening to the story but it never really progressed.
Chaz is bland. I don't feel fired up by her nor do I fee...more I give up. Had I been able to finish this book I would have given it 2 stars. Seeing as how I'm 60% in on my kindle and I cannot bear another page of it even though I have struggled to come this far, its over. One star it is. I highly recommend Grimspace by Ann Aguirre instead, similar themes only 10 times better.
I had so many problems with this book. I got the sample first and liked the opening to the story but it never really progressed.
Chaz is bland. I don't feel fired up by her nor do I feel her pain or joy or any of her emotions. She uses vague terms to describe her feelings as well, such as some variation of warm, soft, grey, fuzzy, heat (does she go as far as heat? I cant recall that seems uncharacteristic of her to use a more intense adjective).
Sully is the absolute worst empath/telepath. I found it so hard to believe that he has such powers, over and over again he seemed completely oblivious of others feelings or thoughts. At the very least he should be able to read emotions but hes not the least bit intuitive or thoughtful of others.
Ren was fine but those are the only real note worthy characters and the tension between Chaz and Sully is lackluster, forced, trite, unrealistic and wishy washy. The only thing that I felt from Chaz is that she enjoyed being a captain.
There was very little real action, they spent a lot of time drinking tea, sending rainbows, braiding hair or playing cards. Maybe the last 40 percent of the book had more going on but this story, it seems, was meant to be character driven only the characters are limp and uninteresting. More than that they are not believable or cohesive.
The sex is very vaguely described in plain terms to the point that is a nonevent.
Her use of space jargon was repetitive. Thats all I will say about that. I don't think this was badly written. I just think the characters and the story were not there. I love romance, sci-fi, paranormal, demons, monsters, aliens, ect. so I had high hopes for the book. This is also part of series but I will not be reading the next book for sure.
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May 29, 2012 Candy rated it 2 of 5 stars

I read this for the Vaginal Fantasy Hangout book club, so I suppose I should review it somewhat. Though I usually enjoy sci-fi, and generally enjoy romance, this book was pretty lame. The female lead started out seemingly strong-willed, independent, fierce, everything you could want in a sci-fi/romance heroine. Halfway through the book she turns into this wishy-washy, muddled femme-bot without two brain cells to rub together and it felt like she was constantly turning to one male or another to s...more

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May 18, 2012 Rachel rated it 1 of 5 stars

This is not a review intended to help someone decide if they should read this book. No one should read this book. This is a spoiler-laden rant about the godawfulness of this book. You have been warned. Also, I use the word 'rape' a lot (in the context of pointing out how awful a particular plot point is), so if you're sensitive to that, you've also been warned.

I do not recommend this book to anyone, except maybe abusive husbands. They might get a kick out of this book, and the time they spent r...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Allan Dyen-shapiro rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is not the type of book I'd generally pick up. I have disliked virtually all military science fiction I've ever read, and haven't read much romance I liked either. However, what I don't like about military science fiction--propagandistic glorification of the military with neo-fascist overtones--is absent from this book. By contrast, it reminds me quite a bit of Star Trek--the fleet commander seeming very Captain Kirk-like. As for the romance, it is subordinated to the story. These aspects r...more This is not the type of book I'd generally pick up. I have disliked virtually all military science fiction I've ever read, and haven't read much romance I liked either. However, what I don't like about military science fiction--propagandistic glorification of the military with neo-fascist overtones--is absent from this book. By contrast, it reminds me quite a bit of Star Trek--the fleet commander seeming very Captain Kirk-like. As for the romance, it is subordinated to the story. These aspects read like an integral part of a broader story, rather than the story being merely a setup to get two hot folks in bed.

As I know the author, I picked this up mainly to see how her ideas are put into practice. I had previously read Down Home Zombie Blues (and liked it) but she had told me that was her least typical book.

Linnea talks often about "torturing her characters"--making them do what they normally wouldn't. There's plenty of that in here. Also many scenes with very interesting set-ups. For example, an encounter between the protagonist's ex-husband, in command of a starship that could detain our heroine, in which she lies and claims she is off a prison planet because of a work release deal she secured by acting as a prostitute. Meanwhile, her current love interest, who did not know she was formerly married, sits silently in hiding, yet watching it all. Very cool scene. Cool because of the very humanness of all three characters.

Or when our protagonist discovers the hero she has slept with is not human. Really creepy.

What Linnea does with gender is very interesting. She's not the first to put a woman in what on our planet would be a man's role--captain of a starship, heroic fighter, killer of many. However, a woman in that position is often a thinly disguised male. A feminist writer would also then assign any traditionally female roles to the male characters.

Not Linnea. The men are men, the women are women. It's her protagonist who refuses to bring a baby into the world unless she can raise it as a true parent (the father wants the equivalent of an extreme boarding school). The capture of Taka females for hosts of a surrogate breeding experiment for monsters enrages the protagonist in a way it doesn't the male characters. Repeating motifs such as seeing the protagonist fixing her hair also underscore Linnea's refusal to cast a woman as an exact man-equivalent.

However, the most sensitive (and best drawn) character is male. Ren, a blind Stolorth, unable to engage in the mind torture typical for his race and forced to hide from human prejudice and the sure murder by his own people. Hurt very deeply when friendship is withdrawn. A very interesting character.

Linnea took a big risk with the male hero. Through most of the book, I thought his character superficial. Until I realized how much he was hiding--that feeling on my part as a reader was the author's intention. A very cool ending for this character.

If you as a reader actually like military or romantic science fiction, this book is a must. I generally detest much of what I see in those categories and still liked this very much.(less)

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Mar 10, 2012 Jacey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, science-fiction, romance

A science fiction romance in which fleet Captain Chaz Bergren, framed and sent to an inhospitable prison planet for a military mistake she did not make, is rescued by Gabriel Sullivan, one time smuggler, drug dealer and terrorist, reported dead two years earlier. Sully has a problem. Someone is breeding vicious Jukors, deadly killers, long since outlawed, and it seems to be someone high up in the Empire's political system, or maybe even the military themselves. Chaz, raised on the military base...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Erinaceina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, bad-boy-heroes, cracktastic, dark-and-dangerous, enemies-opponents-antagonists, fanfic-worthy, favourite-heroes, favourite-pairings, futuristic-romances, gamma-heroes, hero-abused-scarred-torture-angst, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, hero-thinks-he-isn-t-good-enough, heroine-tortured-scarred-angst, in-love-from-a-distance, psychic-powers, romantic-but-not-romance, surprisingly-good, sci-fi

I had this on my TBR pile for ages, and kept finding reasons not to read it, but I'm so glad now that I did.

I'm not sure whether to classify this as futuristic romance or science fiction with romance. Certainly, the I-love-yous come much earlier in the book than I'd normally expect with a romance novel, but Chaz and Sully's romantic problems don't end there. The romantic plot is a major focus of the book. All the angst and secrets in their relationship were wonderfully dramatic. I want a Gabriel...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Paul Johnson rated it 4 of 5 stars

GUY REVIEW: This is like the sort of thing that would be born if Amanda Quick and John Ringo were to have a baby. Except that it lacks the hard core down and dirty sex of Amanda Quick (and you girls call our Gor novels smut....) and lacks the technical detail of a John Ringo novel. Everyone seems to spend the entire novel drinking mugs of tea and brushing each other's hair (both guys and girls). Sex is non-descript words like "gray fuzzy soft", "warm", "soaring" and other adjectives and througho...more

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May 24, 2011 Vicky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, paranormal-romance

Linnea Sinclair is an expert in world building and now you can add romance to that expertise. In “Gabriel’s Ghost”, she combines science fiction and romance in a sizzling manner that leaves you wanting more.

Captain Chasidah Bergren was falsely accused of a crime she didn’t commit, court-martialed and sentenced to a harsh prison planet. Her surprising rescue comes in the form of Gabriel Sullivan, a pirate and mercenary who Chas chased from one end of the galaxy to the next.

Though initially Sull...more

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Apr 05, 2011 Mystique Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: scifi-romance

Who said there is no good way to blend Sci-Fi and Romance? Whoever did has obviously never read GABRIEL’S GHOST. The romantic element is wondrously, fantastically, stupendously necessary to the hard Science Fiction that defines a Linnea Sinclair book. What we are looking at here is the next incarnation of the genera. It’s deep, visceral, and more human in that it’s emotionally and—yes—sexually intense. And to that I say, “more, more, more

The universal scope of this book is incomparable. We have...more

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Mar 23, 2011 Nenia Campbell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: x-series-bk-1, x-2005s

A captain marooned on the prison planet Moabar for a court-martial on false charges. A space-pirate with abilities that aren't quite... human. An alien Stolorth who comes from a species that can rip minds apart--but only by eye contact, which he can't do since he's blind. This band of misfits, isolated from and rejected by the Empire, have to learn to live with each other in order to escape with their lives, and solve a complex plot that involves genetically modified jokors, who tear apart their...more

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Nov 29, 2010 Alana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: space-opera, romance-scifi

Stripped of her command, ex-Fleet Captain Chasidah Bergren is left to molder on the inhospitable, lawless planet of Moabar for a crime she didn't commit. So when her sometimes-nemesis, the presumed dead Gabriel Sullivan, turns up offering to stage a prison break if she'll help him track down who's responsible for breeding long-outlawed killing beasts called jukors, she quickly finds herself on board. Because whoever is responsible for the project is just as monstrous as the jukors themselves.

But...more Stripped of her command, ex-Fleet Captain Chasidah Bergren is left to molder on the inhospitable, lawless planet of Moabar for a crime she didn't commit. So when her sometimes-nemesis, the presumed dead Gabriel Sullivan, turns up offering to stage a prison break if she'll help him track down who's responsible for breeding long-outlawed killing beasts called jukors, she quickly finds herself on board. Because whoever is responsible for the project is just as monstrous as the jukors themselves.

But that doesn't really do it justice. The real joy in Linnea Sinclair's Gabriel's Ghost are the characters. The story is told in first person, by the fantastic Chaz Bergren. She's Fleet all the way down to her toes and her training shows - she's calm in a crisis, thinks through her options and can take care of her own self, if you please. But at the same time, she's not the kind of girl to turn down a little rescuing from her friends. No running headlong into Dire Peril to prove a point for Chaz.

And then there's Sully - he's the best kind of scoundrel from his wicked grin, his quick endearments and his playful gambling streak to his secretly playing Robin Hood. It's obvious why he has the undying loyalty of his crew (who are also great) and it's equally obvious that he has a Gigantic Crush on Chaz and has for a long time. Which is why he used to hang around and taunt her and figuratively pull her pigtails back when they were on opposite sides of the law. And he definitely kept me giggling, which is really important if you're going to pull out a brooding tortured hero.

Because there is darkness to the story. The people Chaz and Sully are up against are some genuinely nasty folks doing genuinely nasty things. And Sully is harboring a dark secret - one that he can't always control and one that makes him an outsider from those he loves the most (see Tortured Alpha Hero). There's a lot going on for the characters - secrets, coming to grips with their relationship, finding the scourge of the galaxy, and plenty of explosions and blaster battles.

So, in short? This reminded me of the space opera I used to love to read and watch (and clearly still do). It's fast-paced and funny, and I've GOT to get hold of the sequel since the darned thing ends not quite on a cliff-hanger, but precariously close to the edge(less)

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May 04, 2012 Katherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, science-fiction

I picked up this book in an effort to be a better member in the Vaginal Fantasy online book club/hangout. Not really familiar with the whole reading-with-others thing, this was a branching-out of sorts for me. The first book recommendation that I had not already read from this group (That I could get a copy of) I decided to give it a go...and discovered a remarkable story that left me in places both awed and enthused by the many twists that our intrepid heroes navigated both in and out of space....more I picked up this book in an effort to be a better member in the Vaginal Fantasy online book club/hangout. Not really familiar with the whole reading-with-others thing, this was a branching-out of sorts for me. The first book recommendation that I had not already read from this group (That I could get a copy of) I decided to give it a go...and discovered a remarkable story that left me in places both awed and enthused by the many twists that our intrepid heroes navigated both in and out of space.

Sci-fi is not really my genre of choice...not that I dislike space in any particular way, but sci-fi books tend to be a bit more heavy-handed on the science speak than I enjoy. It was a bit of a stretch for me to decide to give this title a go, but once I picked it up and began reading a supposedly difficult decision become zen simple. I was drawn in from the first, a magnetism that never really let up. This book both surprised and impressed me with the author’s skill at taking a setting that usually leaves me cold and turning it into an intriguing playground.

The simple yet twisting plot of this book struck me as a fairly standard device. The goal was introduced in the beginning chapters and working toward said goal while obstacles keep being set in their path composed the plot arch that moved the characters forward. Not a reinvention of the wheel, but very well done for what it was. The world-building that was revealed through the plot’s progression was, I felt, the compelling momentum that kept the story from being predictable or stale feeling. The tensions between different groups, and the prejudices behind them, were a living dynamic that propelled the characters forward as much, if not more, than the end goal. It is with these characters that I felt this book truly shined. By illuminating both strengths weaknesses Ms. Sinclair was able to create a human character with faults and insecurities along with all the gifts, talents and confidence that make a strong and compelling character. Gabriel's Ghost is truly a humanistic tale...even—and in some cases especially—when dealing with characters that are not completely human.

Shades of Dark, The follow-up book in this series, is most definitely going on my buy list. I want to know what happens to Chaz and our intrepid Gabriel as they continue the journey they have begun. This book gave me the impetus to continue to broaden my horizons, now knowing it can mean being introduced to wonderful works and worlds. I give this book a strong four stars.
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Jun 05, 2010 Sandy Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction-romance, 2008

Wow. This book was absolutely fabulous. I really didn't think I'd be able to give a book five stars, but this one defnitely deserved it.

It was perfect. It had the right mix of science fiction and romance. It was a book that (almost) made my want to give up writing because it was so perfectly done. The story was fantastic. I loved the characters. From page one, I couldn't put it down.

Sinclair did something great with this book: she had an intriguing backstory built in, and she hardly had to menti...more

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May 19, 2012 Heather Campbell rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I read this book as part of Vaginal Fantasy book club. The book had a great beginning with well fleshed out characters who seemed real and had real flaws, but that seemed to shift as the book went along. I loved those character until about halfway through. I have three main issues with the novel that bother me, but first I'll start with the good.

I like the space opera aspect. It's just enough to be a familiar idea while staying different enough to keep you going for most of the story. I also lik...more I read this book as part of Vaginal Fantasy book club. The book had a great beginning with well fleshed out characters who seemed real and had real flaws, but that seemed to shift as the book went along. I loved those character until about halfway through. I have three main issues with the novel that bother me, but first I'll start with the good.

I like the space opera aspect. It's just enough to be a familiar idea while staying different enough to keep you going for most of the story. I also liked a lot of the culture surrounding the characters. The world build was excellent. It felt like a possible future for humanity, and the tech wasn't too incredible to be mind-numbing. Overall, I liked a lot of the basic plot, but I have a few problems with the writing style and the characters playing it out that seriously hindered its effectiveness. Also as I said above, love the characters we start out with, it's just who they become that pisses me off.

My issues are fairly basic but actually very major ones. First, the incescant reuse of phrases and motifs to the point of actual annoyance. The words "rainbow," "warm fuzzies," "angel," and "Chazzy-girl" make me seriously want to punch a kitten if I hear them again in the next year and a half. I understand the importance of auras to the story, but god it's basically a copy and paste job each time. Also, the characters seem to always have to say one of there two or three nicknames for each other after every sentence said to that party. Lastly, what's with all the references to hair? Someone is almost constantly brushing, braiding, running hands through, or nuzzling in hair. There is a similar issue with people's "jutting chins or jaws." It just makes me a little bit mad when any author does this. I'm personally left with if you can't take the time to write the whole thing originally, then why should I take the time to read it?

Secondly, the pacing is very weird. The beginning is full of has fleshed out characters with history and backstories. You feel connected, like they're real, but as the book moves on new characters move in with very 2D effect and never become moe than backdrops/props. At the same time the plot seems to go from slow and steady to warp factor NOW about page 300. The fight sequences are also more garbled as you move along. Honestly, by the end I started to have to skim the conflicts, they didn't make much more visual sense to me when I read them in depth.

Lastly, the romance part. The other two are odd, but I could deal with them. However WTF is with romance novels and the rape, pseudo-rape, creepy violations, and lying? It's in about a third to a half of them I find some scene(s) that involving the male lead doing something that would INSTANTLY end the whole relationship. In this book I was also really disturbed by the borderline abuse as well. It's invading her thoughts, possiveness to the point of grabbing her when other men even look at her, and he beds her under completely false pretenses. His "oops, forgot to tell you what I really am, oh and I gave you a permanent bond that will kill me and maybe you if it breaks" without informing you first is like finding out all at once you got a STI from your boyfriend whose been to prison as a rapist. I know that seems harsh because it's not really harmful to her, but that's only true based on (lying) Sully's promise to not hurt her. Because people do a great job of not hurting others when there are just normal psychological damage and reprecussions let alone when you could change what someone remembered, felt, thinks, or perceives. Yep, that will end well. Happy ever after. At least in this one the "strong, independent" (yeah right) female lead tells him off a bit about it. That's somewhat of an improvement.

In essence there isn't love story or romance here either because Sully NEVER tells her the true. It's always well after the fact, and after the point of no return. But it's also missing smut. (let's be honest, most of us are here for the good smutty parts as well as the romance. You have one nice scene and then a bunch of feelings and colors. Sigh!) I felt like I had nothing to go on here.

All in all I'm disappointed with a novel that won a RITA. What was thing up against? I wouldn't go any further in the series. Maybe if someone told me a lot of the female abuse was gone...maybe I'd read another one. (less)

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May 18, 2012 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: vaginal-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Vaginal Fantasy H...: Halfway complete... dragging for anyone else?	53	253	Jul 02, 2012 11:58pm
Vaginal Fantasy H...: * VF05: Gabriel's Ghost Discussion	17	212	Jun 04, 2012 07:26am
Vaginal Fantasy H...: Book announcement for the May 28th (8pm PST) VF Hangout!	59	758	May 28, 2012 09:35pm
Vaginal Fantasy H...: Closed Off: Chapter 16-18 Discussion & Spoilers	10	71	May 28, 2012 06:40am
Vaginal Fantasy H...: Zral: Chapter 10-12 Discussion & Spoilers	12	66	May 28, 2012 02:55am
Vaginal Fantasy H...: Ky'Sara, Ky'Sal: Chapter 33-35 Discussion & Spoilers	17	90	May 27, 2012 09:41pm
Vaginal Fantasy H...: Maker Shipyard: Chapter 28-32 Discussion & Spoilers	9	46	May 27, 2012 07:13pm

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About Linnea Sinclair

Winner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA, science fiction romance author Linnea Sinclair has become a name synonymous for high-action, emotionally intense, character-driven novels. Reviewers note that Sinclair’s novels “have the wow-factor in spades,” earning her accolades from both the science fiction and romance communities. Sinclair’s current release is HOPE'S FOLLY and, schedule...more

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Quotes from Gabriel's Ghost

“She didn't understand, I hope to God she never understands what I do, what I am. To be dammed by the darkness that lives inside me.

To be saved by her love.

No more half-truths. No more omissions.” — 3 people liked it

“Philip says to fear me. Do you have any idea how afraid I am of him?” — 2 people liked it

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