Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair (2005)

This book would have been much better had it stuck with being a science fiction book and not also tried to be a romance.

That is not to say that I do not enjoy romance in my science fiction - or indeed any fiction. I do, quite a bit, and it's why I picked up this book. But I prefer my romances to flow naturally from story and character, and to reflect two capable, thinking adults who have actual reasons for their decisions.

What we are presented with here are a ridiculous number of mentions about just how dreamy Gabriel Sullivan (did we mention that he's a poet /and/ a smuggler? Why yes we did, at least four times.) is, how strong, how mysterious, how attractive. If I'd had another book on hand, I would have put this one down after the first two chapters, because I was sick of the heroine swooning in her private thoughts.

Which is really a shame, because behind the romance is actually a fairly solid sci fi adventure. When she's not busy falling apart over her love life, it turns out that Chaz is fairly capable. When we aren't busy watching the contrived misunderstandings interrupt the romance, they're busy exploring an interesting and fairly-well built universe. When we don't have to watch Chaz doubt Sully and then flagellate herself for doing so, they're on a mission that's exciting and interesting. When we aren't wrapped up in how wrapped up they are in each other (and you know, I never really understood /why/ - the reasoning for their sudden romance is all in a backstory that is mentioned, but never really explored), it turns out that there are quite interesting secondary characters who populate the tale.

It's a pity, really. I had a hard time enjoying the science fiction for the Harlequin cliches that fill this book. ( )

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. ( )

Very good combination of science fiction and romance. More SF than romance with some mildly erotic scenes occasionally thrown in. The plot was interesting and the book ends as if there will be a sequel, which there is. The action scenes are a trifle slow but but are adequate. The main thing that I found questionable about the book is why and how the hero, Gabriel Sullivan, becomes fixated on the heroine. She has a certain charm but doesn't seem particularly unique or charismatic. Probably this stems from the fact that most of the backstory of the hero is missing -- which is something that the heroine, Chasidrah, constantly wonders about but is conveniently (for the author) told not to ask to show her trust and faith in the hero. ( )

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