SHE WAS A RIDDLE WRAPPED IN MYSTERY INSIDE AN ENIGMA
A Sci-fi story is only a good as the author who pens it, and Ms. Bristol has spun a tale that grabs the reader and holds them captive from the beginning to the end. When you are finished, you know you have been on an amazing journey, and can’t wait to pick up and read the next book. The storyline, the background of the characters, the descriptions of the sights, sounds, smells, are all part of this tale, making the reader feel like a voyeur along on this journey.
Illumina is of the Faria species, ones who have wings, skin that illuminates and hair with feelings. She is on the run for her life, literally, from her ex-lifemate who cut off her wings, and is intent on torturing her. “Few understood the trifecta of her loss: her mobility, her lifemate, her trust. All gone in a single swipe.” Finding the help wanted announcement on Cy-Net is her hope for a reprieve. “Computer Troubleshooter. Secret. Confidential. Nondisclosure agreement required. The keywords leaped out like a lifeline.”
Dale Homme is an ex-Cyber Operations field agent, who runs a clandestine factory beneath the surface of the moon Deceptio. The location is a secret, his clients and business may be outside of the law, but it is a living. When a ship of potential new hires shows up, something about this sprite of a woman should send her packing, but instinct tells him she is in trouble, and he knows she is lying, but he knows he must keep her safe.
Alonio is an evil Faria, AOP Ambassador, and was Illumina's lifemate. He won’t stop until he has her back. “No matter where you go, I’ll find you.” “Anyone who assists you will suffer.” “You will always be mine. Till passing do us part.”
The plot has an amazing cast of characters, with abilities, powers, and then throw in a love story in the making, all while a life and death situation is evident. For Illumina, she doesn’t want anyone else hurt because of her, but she must stay ahead of Alonio. For Dale, he feels he must protect this woman at all cost, and the last thing he expected was to start having feelings for her, he doesn’t get involved with employees. Illumina has “fled from evil; she would not run from good.” It will come down to a battle of good versus evil, life, and death, and lives will be on the line. “Alonio could not match the cyborg’s brawn, but he possessed other assets to ensure he won any physical confrontation.” Can a Cyborg defeat evil and find happiness for his future?