What do you think?
Rate this book
Cygnus Five #1
Lioness of Cygnus Five
In a Galaxy ruled by the regressive Kingdom, Bryant Jones's mission of medical advancements was seen as perverted. Now Jones is on his way to a Penal Colony on the far reaches of the system… a colony he never intends to reach.Once the Kingdom's war angel, Captain Aurora Campos has been humbled by scandal. Now a lowly prison transport commander, when her ship is shot down by the ancient alien defences of the penal planet, she will fight the world to win back her glory and keep her charges safe.Two destinies collide, slamming truth and faith together in an epic battle that may shatter the very core of The Kingdom itself.
287 pages, ebook
Published August 18, 2016
54 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Alex Beecroft
44 books298 followersSpaceships and galaxy spanning empires, conversations with angels, viking villages, haunted mansions and forbidden love in the Age of Sail... I love a good strong plot in an exotic setting, with characters you can admire, and a happy ending.
If you make a venn diagram of genres, including historical, fantasy, gay romance and mystery, I occupy the space in the middle where they overlap.
~
BTW, if you're thinking my reviews on here are a bit mean, most of the books I really enjoy will get a 4 star. I am saving 5 stars for books I find genuinely life changing. 4 is still "this was really really good, you should read it." 5 is "OMG, my mind is blown and my life will never be the same again."
If you make a venn diagram of genres, including historical, fantasy, gay romance and mystery, I occupy the space in the middle where they overlap.
~
BTW, if you're thinking my reviews on here are a bit mean, most of the books I really enjoy will get a 4 star. I am saving 5 stars for books I find genuinely life changing. 4 is still "this was really really good, you should read it." 5 is "OMG, my mind is blown and my life will never be the same again."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 5, 2016
Captain Aurora Campos was a celebrated military hero, until a huge scandal saw her fall from grace. Now, she's been put in charge of a prison transport, ferrying criminals to the prison colony Cygnus Five. One of the men she is transporting is Bryant Jones, a surgeon and tech genius who's been falsely accused of murder and has no intention of letting himself be shipped off to some crappy little prison colony. He's in the process of taking over the ship and getting the hell out of dodge when the prison transport is attacked. Bryant ends up stuck in a tiny shuttle with Aurora, crashlanding on the planet. To make their way to the colony, they have to work together, at least for the time being. The colony of Cygnus Five itself, it turns out, has been taken over by some of the criminals imprisoned in it, and Aurora won't let anything get in her way in taking it back.
For the first half or so of the book, I really didn't think I'd end up enjoying it as much as I did. I had a hard time connecting with either of the protagonists, they were both just so self-righteous and filled with prejudice that it made me want to scream. Eventually, though, the character development and the action-rich plot brought me around, and the ending was just awesome. Let's see where it goes from here!
For the first half or so of the book, I really didn't think I'd end up enjoying it as much as I did. I had a hard time connecting with either of the protagonists, they were both just so self-righteous and filled with prejudice that it made me want to scream. Eventually, though, the character development and the action-rich plot brought me around, and the ending was just awesome. Let's see where it goes from here!
October 21, 2016
4.5
A wonderful queer sci-fi adventure with a romance in it. In fact there is really lots of action in it.
I loved the MCs from the start, even though I suspect that Bryant is not presented as very lovable at the beginning. The missing half star is because sometimes it is plain that the author wants to make a statement about our society, it doesn't get preachy, but almost. But I love the reversal of stereotypes and the full range of diverse characters.
The writing is great, but having read everything by Alex Beecroft this was to be expected.
I'm eagerly waiting for the sequel.
A wonderful queer sci-fi adventure with a romance in it. In fact there is really lots of action in it.
I loved the MCs from the start, even though I suspect that Bryant is not presented as very lovable at the beginning. The missing half star is because sometimes it is plain that the author wants to make a statement about our society, it doesn't get preachy, but almost. But I love the reversal of stereotypes and the full range of diverse characters.
The writing is great, but having read everything by Alex Beecroft this was to be expected.
I'm eagerly waiting for the sequel.
February 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this. It's a lively sci-fi adventure with a romantic subplot, the first in a new series, and it's super entertaining. This book is exciting and fun and poignant and just a cracking good read. It's very cool to read a sci-fi adventure where both main characters are people of colour and one of them is bisexual. It's not often a genius queer Black man and a staunch badass woman of colour get to save the world together in books and I absolutely loved that. It's Alex Beecroft, so the writing is top notch, the world-building is superb, and the plot is gripping and full of action. Both main characters are wonderfully multidimensional and full of depth. They're genuinely interesting, complicated people whose struggles and character growth are fascinating to read. The large cast of secondary characters is well-developed and very diverse, featuring lots of queer folk and lots of different skin colours and backgrounds. This is very much an exciting "outcasts saving the world" story and the fledgling romance is definitely secondary, but it's a nice romance of opposites that makes both participants think a whole lot about who they really are and what really matters. It took me a few chapters to really connect with the story and the characters, but once it got going, I was truly sucked in and enjoyed every minute. I am really looking forward to reading more about this world and all these interesting characters in the next instalment.
September 4, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this SciFi adventure romance from Alex Beecroft. Set in a cohesive, detailed world that gradually spreads to an entire universe as you read the book, I loved the way the characters of the protagonists likewise develop and grow with each new chapter. There is a lot to say about this complex, imaginative book, but I think the fact that I will still be revolving the story and the ideas and thinking about them while I wait for the next one in the series says more than any words.
December 16, 2016
I read Lioness on Kindle Unlimited and loved it. I will be buying a copy as soon as I can. This very quirky, often hilarious, but at times heartbreaking science fiction story enthralled me from beginning to end. The role reversal of the two main characters is very well done and fascinating. I am excited to read the sequel.
January 19, 2018
I found, for the most part, Lioness of Cygnus Five by Alex Beecroft a gripping and enjoyable read.
Captain Aurora Campos, a feted warrior now deceived and betrayed, has been demoted to running a prison run to the prison colony of Cygnus Five. Bryant Jones is a genetic surgeon specialising in body transformations, has been unjustly convicted of murder and has every intention of escaping before he reaches the prison colony. An unexpected attack on the ship require Campos and Jones, enemies and opposites in almost every way, to work together if they are to survive and set things right.
Lioness of Cygnus Five was fast-paced, with a wonderful balance between setting, plot and character. I loved the innovative ideas - form nanotech to an abandoned alien civilisation, the sense that this was a three-dimensional world with history and complex, interacting systems. I appreciated the complex, flawed characters with diverse backgrounds and the way opposing ideologies and positions were dealt with an effort to understand them from the inside - rather through thinly disguised stereotypes and that ingenuity - and that diplomacy was almost as important as violence and deceit in securing solutions.
That said there were times that Beecroft's agenda (reflecting current debates of gender and religion) overtook the story, though I appreciated the richness of her portrayals. The romance, while it had potential, didn't totally jell with me and there were a few inconsistencies in the plot (i.e. in one case extensive physical surgery is required for body transformation, while in another the nanos can do it while the patient sleeps; in one case major injuries seem completely healed overnight without lasting effects while in another it will apparently take months for a knee injury to recover fully). But what made this a four star rather than five for me was how a major and invasive violation of trust was smoothed over almost immediately as though it really was no big deal and just a valuable learning experience and, anyhow, necessary.
Overall, I found this an interesting and enjoyable read. Beecroft writes well, with great world-building and complex characters, though with an obvious agenda.
Captain Aurora Campos, a feted warrior now deceived and betrayed, has been demoted to running a prison run to the prison colony of Cygnus Five. Bryant Jones is a genetic surgeon specialising in body transformations, has been unjustly convicted of murder and has every intention of escaping before he reaches the prison colony. An unexpected attack on the ship require Campos and Jones, enemies and opposites in almost every way, to work together if they are to survive and set things right.
Lioness of Cygnus Five was fast-paced, with a wonderful balance between setting, plot and character. I loved the innovative ideas - form nanotech to an abandoned alien civilisation, the sense that this was a three-dimensional world with history and complex, interacting systems. I appreciated the complex, flawed characters with diverse backgrounds and the way opposing ideologies and positions were dealt with an effort to understand them from the inside - rather through thinly disguised stereotypes and that ingenuity - and that diplomacy was almost as important as violence and deceit in securing solutions.
That said there were times that Beecroft's agenda (reflecting current debates of gender and religion) overtook the story, though I appreciated the richness of her portrayals. The romance, while it had potential, didn't totally jell with me and there were a few inconsistencies in the plot (i.e. in one case extensive physical surgery is required for body transformation, while in another the nanos can do it while the patient sleeps; in one case major injuries seem completely healed overnight without lasting effects while in another it will apparently take months for a knee injury to recover fully). But what made this a four star rather than five for me was how a major and invasive violation of trust was smoothed over almost immediately as though it really was no big deal and just a valuable learning experience and, anyhow, necessary.
Overall, I found this an interesting and enjoyable read. Beecroft writes well, with great world-building and complex characters, though with an obvious agenda.
April 1, 2022
When I taught a class on Science Fiction and Fantasy for children and young adults (during my days as a professor at Simmons College), I spent a lot more time reading SF than I do today. In part because my interests now have shifted to romance, but also because so often hard SF does not focus on interpersonal relationships, while most SF romance does not satisfy my desire, grounded in years of fantasy and SF reading, to dwell in a thoughtfully created secondary world where ideas, not just personal relationships, matter. Which explains my delight when I heard that Alex Beecroft, one of my favorite contemporary and historical romance writers, had jumped on the SF ship.
The versatile Beecroft's latest, Lioness of Cygnus Five, is set in a space-faring future, after humans on Earth have spread far and wide throughout the galaxies.
Read the rest of this review at: http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blog...
The versatile Beecroft's latest, Lioness of Cygnus Five, is set in a space-faring future, after humans on Earth have spread far and wide throughout the galaxies.
Read the rest of this review at: http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blog...
October 2, 2018
Captain Campos. What a great character, well what a great read.
I could write more, but others have done sat. Only, when you read the book, the words spring out to you and you are thre with her.
Great writing, great concept.
I could write more, but others have done sat. Only, when you read the book, the words spring out to you and you are thre with her.
Great writing, great concept.
January 13, 2018
A free copy of the kindle was provided for an honest review.
Beecroft has talent, of that there is no question. She deftly wields vivid imagery, and narrative scope into a tale that will draw you in. But the technical errors jar (though I have been told, I have an old copy), one out of two of the main characters are borderline unlikeable, and the sociological viewpoints expressed can be hard to ignore. Suffice to say, I am probably not among the target audience. But when I put my bias aside I can see clearly that there is artistry here, and a strong story. The Lioness of Cygnus Five is a four-star book, ready to escape from the shackles of a three-star editing.
Moments of brilliance speckle a flow of text that is impressive in consistency and rhythm. The first few chapters are exciting, engaging, and quite unique. The second character, Aurora Campos, I can quite relate to. The dialogue, the experiences of the two protagonists are realistic, and have a wonderful touch. In short, they are believable. And lastly, the basic scientific foundation of the experience here is solid, I have no qualms.
However, for lack of a better word, I despised Bryant at the beginning. I did warm up to him later, only to have all the goodwill dashed it all in a decision that brought me back to his original characterization; selfish, smug, self-righteous, naïve, and whiny. This choice, coupled with the ending, that initially sealed my personal feelings for the novel. It is here where I decided I needed to step back, and look at the whole picture to really rate this piece. To wit, counting up all of the beans, I am left with a solid albeit flawed book.
For readers out there, if queer science fiction romance is your area, you will unlikely never find a more well-versed, character driven piece. I would say that it even stands fairly-well, romance aspects aside, as a science fiction story-line. Everyone else should however consider the subject matter, and understand that this novel does not remain ideologically neutral. In the end, I hope Bryant is happy; I chose to only knock the book, rather than murder it.
Beecroft has talent, of that there is no question. She deftly wields vivid imagery, and narrative scope into a tale that will draw you in. But the technical errors jar (though I have been told, I have an old copy), one out of two of the main characters are borderline unlikeable, and the sociological viewpoints expressed can be hard to ignore. Suffice to say, I am probably not among the target audience. But when I put my bias aside I can see clearly that there is artistry here, and a strong story. The Lioness of Cygnus Five is a four-star book, ready to escape from the shackles of a three-star editing.
Moments of brilliance speckle a flow of text that is impressive in consistency and rhythm. The first few chapters are exciting, engaging, and quite unique. The second character, Aurora Campos, I can quite relate to. The dialogue, the experiences of the two protagonists are realistic, and have a wonderful touch. In short, they are believable. And lastly, the basic scientific foundation of the experience here is solid, I have no qualms.
However, for lack of a better word, I despised Bryant at the beginning. I did warm up to him later, only to have all the goodwill dashed it all in a decision that brought me back to his original characterization; selfish, smug, self-righteous, naïve, and whiny. This choice, coupled with the ending, that initially sealed my personal feelings for the novel. It is here where I decided I needed to step back, and look at the whole picture to really rate this piece. To wit, counting up all of the beans, I am left with a solid albeit flawed book.
For readers out there, if queer science fiction romance is your area, you will unlikely never find a more well-versed, character driven piece. I would say that it even stands fairly-well, romance aspects aside, as a science fiction story-line. Everyone else should however consider the subject matter, and understand that this novel does not remain ideologically neutral. In the end, I hope Bryant is happy; I chose to only knock the book, rather than murder it.
December 6, 2017
Beecroft is an impressive writer and very detail-oriented in her craft. Her mind works in amazing ways, both in terms of ingenuity and the painstaking way that she crafts scenes.
To be quite honest, the book didn't grab me at first. Intriguing aspects were present from the start, such as the character of Bryant and his brand of techno-wizardry. But action packed first quarter of the book threw me for a loop. I know what you're thinking. What's wrong with action? It's exciting. It keeps things moving. It generates interest. All of that is true, but just hear me out.
Beecroft's penchant for detail is a strength, but as a new reader, I needed time to acclimate to her style. So when faced with an abundance of detail-infused action scenes, my mind moved slowly over the words, bogging down scenes that I'm sure were intended to quickly advance the plot. Too often, it left me thinking, "Wait, what?" as I reread pages to ensure that I'd comprehended the author's intentions. Each one of us has a certain natural reading pace. Attempting to slow down mine made my brain short-circuit.
But I stuck with it, and I am infinitely glad that I did. After the first quarter, the story decelerates a bit. By no means does it become boring. Instead, it settles enough to savor. The action is still present, but it's woven into a layered narrative that explores elements of morality and human nature in a thoughtful, dignified way.
In the two characters of Aurora and Bryant, Beecroft steers away from the typical stereotypes to create humans who are flawed, touching, unconventially beautiful, and infinitely interesting. There's a clever little twist about halfway through that forces them to see things from a new "persepective." The dynamic changes within them, as well as in the world around them, drive the plot well. There were times when I thought Bryant's use of technology gave him superpowers that solved problems too easily, but for the most part, they were handled well.
The ending was very satisfying. Though, it left ample room to grow a sequel, I felt that justice had been served for all entities involved. Lioness of Cygnus Five was a great Sci-Fi read once I got past the initial bumps of the beginning.
To be quite honest, the book didn't grab me at first. Intriguing aspects were present from the start, such as the character of Bryant and his brand of techno-wizardry. But action packed first quarter of the book threw me for a loop. I know what you're thinking. What's wrong with action? It's exciting. It keeps things moving. It generates interest. All of that is true, but just hear me out.
Beecroft's penchant for detail is a strength, but as a new reader, I needed time to acclimate to her style. So when faced with an abundance of detail-infused action scenes, my mind moved slowly over the words, bogging down scenes that I'm sure were intended to quickly advance the plot. Too often, it left me thinking, "Wait, what?" as I reread pages to ensure that I'd comprehended the author's intentions. Each one of us has a certain natural reading pace. Attempting to slow down mine made my brain short-circuit.
But I stuck with it, and I am infinitely glad that I did. After the first quarter, the story decelerates a bit. By no means does it become boring. Instead, it settles enough to savor. The action is still present, but it's woven into a layered narrative that explores elements of morality and human nature in a thoughtful, dignified way.
In the two characters of Aurora and Bryant, Beecroft steers away from the typical stereotypes to create humans who are flawed, touching, unconventially beautiful, and infinitely interesting. There's a clever little twist about halfway through that forces them to see things from a new "persepective." The dynamic changes within them, as well as in the world around them, drive the plot well. There were times when I thought Bryant's use of technology gave him superpowers that solved problems too easily, but for the most part, they were handled well.
The ending was very satisfying. Though, it left ample room to grow a sequel, I felt that justice had been served for all entities involved. Lioness of Cygnus Five was a great Sci-Fi read once I got past the initial bumps of the beginning.
January 4, 2017
If you're looking for a story in which the lead's trust is taken advantage of and their physical sex changed !!without their consent!! by their !!eventual romantic interest!! "FOR THEIR OWN GOOD" on a wtf pillbug planet then boy howdy, is this the book for you.
Let me repeat that: one lead leaves themselves vulnerable to the other and is transformed into a different physical sex without consenting to the procedure in the slightest. This measure is ostensibly to protect them (and their sniveling partner) from rape by prisoners.
I think the icing on the cake is that we're meant to root for them as a couple even after this MASSIVE betrayal of trust happens before the halfway mark of the story (and long before the actual plot goes anywhere). Sorry, no, I am never going to be invested in a couple when one takes advantage of the other in such a gross, intrusive and controlling manner ~and it's all p. cool despite initial protests~. Your character down with transitioning? Awesome, I'm on board too. ANOTHER CHARACTER INFECTS THEM WITH NANOBOTS (DESPITE PROMISING THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO THIS) AND THEN CHANGES THEIR PHYSICAL BODY ENTIRELY WHILE THEY'RE UNCONSCIOUS AND WITHOUT ANY FORM OF CONSENT?
Yeah no, I'm not down with that.
Give me queer characters by the dozen, give me space adventures that challenge gender norms, but don't give me non-consensual crap in a central relationship without handling the fallout of such actions in a manner that doesn't involve kissing within two pages of the non-consensual action taking place (for luck!). That's just asking me to delete an otherwise potentially passable book at the speed of light.
Let me repeat that: one lead leaves themselves vulnerable to the other and is transformed into a different physical sex without consenting to the procedure in the slightest. This measure is ostensibly to protect them (and their sniveling partner) from rape by prisoners.
I think the icing on the cake is that we're meant to root for them as a couple even after this MASSIVE betrayal of trust happens before the halfway mark of the story (and long before the actual plot goes anywhere). Sorry, no, I am never going to be invested in a couple when one takes advantage of the other in such a gross, intrusive and controlling manner ~and it's all p. cool despite initial protests~. Your character down with transitioning? Awesome, I'm on board too. ANOTHER CHARACTER INFECTS THEM WITH NANOBOTS (DESPITE PROMISING THAT THEY WOULD NOT DO THIS) AND THEN CHANGES THEIR PHYSICAL BODY ENTIRELY WHILE THEY'RE UNCONSCIOUS AND WITHOUT ANY FORM OF CONSENT?
Yeah no, I'm not down with that.
Give me queer characters by the dozen, give me space adventures that challenge gender norms, but don't give me non-consensual crap in a central relationship without handling the fallout of such actions in a manner that doesn't involve kissing within two pages of the non-consensual action taking place (for luck!). That's just asking me to delete an otherwise potentially passable book at the speed of light.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2017
This was a great read and was definitely up my alley. The Galaxy created by Beecroft had me captivated and the interplay between the main characters was fantastic. It was a dirty world, and had the feel of a real place not some glossed up fantasy.
The story was woven well and had a plot that kept me turning until the end. The scope felt just right and focused in at all the right places, yet broadened out to give you a big galactic feel of where you were in a larger galaxy. The inner story of a romantic angle was also well placed and woven into the tapestry masterfully and the protagonists certainly didn’t fit into a cut and paste model of what a protagonist should or can be.
This was outside the box when it came to plot and cast, and it helped to make this book stand out. It was a very entertaining read and I recommend your time be spent to see for yourself.
The story was woven well and had a plot that kept me turning until the end. The scope felt just right and focused in at all the right places, yet broadened out to give you a big galactic feel of where you were in a larger galaxy. The inner story of a romantic angle was also well placed and woven into the tapestry masterfully and the protagonists certainly didn’t fit into a cut and paste model of what a protagonist should or can be.
This was outside the box when it came to plot and cast, and it helped to make this book stand out. It was a very entertaining read and I recommend your time be spent to see for yourself.
April 24, 2020
I've read quite a few of Alex Beecroft's books and I usually love her writing style. She's usually so lyrical and moving and here, with so much plot to focus on, the writing was far more serviceable and basic. It's a rollicking tale and I liked the unusual heroine, but the poetry that I've come to expect from Beecroft wasn't there. It's still a good book, but not as good as her usual ones.
That was my initial response, but rereading in a few years later, I'm much more taken with it. I love the idea of these two people from very different world views, coming to see each other clearly. And I liked the nano bots, so sophisticated they could be magic, and Aurora, our lioness, no sleeping beauty but a dazzling fighter and a woman struggling with her beliefs. Happy to recommend. Off to buy book 2
That was my initial response, but rereading in a few years later, I'm much more taken with it. I love the idea of these two people from very different world views, coming to see each other clearly. And I liked the nano bots, so sophisticated they could be magic, and Aurora, our lioness, no sleeping beauty but a dazzling fighter and a woman struggling with her beliefs. Happy to recommend. Off to buy book 2
January 4, 2020
Good read
Excellent story with good character development. All very "human", though somewhat alien (earth colonist, I think). Nice combination of space travel and alien planet survival. Interesting and respectful dealing with religious themes. Don't let that put you off, it isn't prominent in the book, just the culture of the players. This book (1) ends nicely, while leaving me interested in what's next. I put books 2 and 3 on my wish list.
The writing is good, very few word processing mistakes, and a few non sci fi terms I had to look up. One glaring 1.5 page copy and paste duplication, that was annoying.
Excellent story with good character development. All very "human", though somewhat alien (earth colonist, I think). Nice combination of space travel and alien planet survival. Interesting and respectful dealing with religious themes. Don't let that put you off, it isn't prominent in the book, just the culture of the players. This book (1) ends nicely, while leaving me interested in what's next. I put books 2 and 3 on my wish list.
The writing is good, very few word processing mistakes, and a few non sci fi terms I had to look up. One glaring 1.5 page copy and paste duplication, that was annoying.
December 7, 2020
I am hooked
An interesting concept well described. Two attractive rounded main characters. Enough action to satisfy the militarist and a romance to stop it being one dimensional. Where is the next one!
An interesting concept well described. Two attractive rounded main characters. Enough action to satisfy the militarist and a romance to stop it being one dimensional. Where is the next one!
August 11, 2017
Different
This series looks to be a change to normal SIFI and space adventure . The characters are developed throughout the story. A good start.
This series looks to be a change to normal SIFI and space adventure . The characters are developed throughout the story. A good start.
March 6, 2021
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed reading this book, it's nice to have a strong female character who is in charge & fully clothed!
I really enjoyed reading this book, it's nice to have a strong female character who is in charge & fully clothed!
August 3, 2021
Very entertaining. I like science fiction and this kept me intrigued. Looking forward to two and three.
October 5, 2025
I really liked it.
December 28, 2016
Not a traditional romance AT ALL! In fact, I'd say this is more a space sci-fi than a romance. The characters are interesting and their development stellar but it's not a powerful romance by any stretch. The romance reader in me was disappointed but the sci-fi fan loved it. Not sure I'll be continuing the series though.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews