Title:
Shadow Crossing
Author:
Catherine Spangler
Publisher:
Dorchester
ISBN:
0505525240
Copyright Date:
N/A
Format:
Print
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Though I've dabbled in the romance genre, I'm very selective about what romance I read. In general, flowery, overly descriptive romances tend to put me off. I prefer my romances to be driven by action, rather than description. Shadow Crossing by Catherine Spangler suited my tastes perfectly.
Celie Cameron, in an old life, had been a rebel and smuggler, piloting her space craft through the dangerous Shadow Crossing on more than one occassion. Though her violent past was behind her, the damage it did emotionally and mentally would never leave. Celie and her people had escaped to a new area of space leaving the dark times behind...until she journeyed to Joba, a planet in the ninth sector.
Joba showed signs of the same sort of darkness she'd once escaped, clearly impossible in this enlightened place. Everyone had food, everyone had medical attention, everyone, except the residents of the ninth sector-- but no one seemed to know the problem existed.
Celie was just making a routine delivery, or had been, until she found Raven, a nineteen year old stowaway, aboard her ship. Raven had wanted to travel with Celie, but suspected her parents wouldn't allow it, so she hid herself away and now was on Joba with Celie, an added complication the space-wise captain didn't need. Something was wrong on Joba and the sooner she got out of there, the better.
She met Max and his android Ruric, the recipients of the delivery, as soon as she could, but a surprise attack forced the foursome to depart on Max's ship. Leaving her vessel behind terrified Celie, but there was nothing for it. They'd only barely escaped with their lives as it was. And now she was on a ship with a good looking man and an even better looking android, determined at all costs to keep her distance while at the same time trying to protect Raven from becoming to involved with the handsome strangers.
Celie had seen the darkest side of human nature and, though she'd managed to escape her gritty past, had given up on the idea of ever having a relationship with a man.
Of course, Ruric wasn't a man, he was an android, designed to be perfect.. He had everything going for him. He was gorgeous, confident, programmed to be sensitive-- and extensively programmed for pleasure. Celie could never have a relationship with a man, but perhaps, with an android, a being that had no reason to form an emotional attachment to her (or she to it), she could finally satisfy her sexual curiosity.
Shadow Crossing is a treat for readers of romantic science fiction. It's funny, heart-wrenching, intelligent and filled with action that keeps the pace of the story flowing from one event to another.
The characters are well-developed, entertaining and believable. The sexual tension develops throughout the book, leaving the reader breathless with anticipation. The plot twists and turns are guaranteed to please, and the writing style is accessible. I found the book an easy read, finishing it in about half the time it usually takes me to read a 300 plus page book.
Shadow Crossing is a story of action, adventure, science fiction, romance, political intrigue and, of course, true love. Fans of romantic science fiction should definitely add this to their list. I know I'll be on the lookout for more from Catherine Spangler.
Reviewed by: Steve Lazarowitz
