Amanda Bouchet

I want to preface this by saying that I'm generally not nitpicky about certain themes in books - I actually have an entire shelf of questionable bodice ripper historical romance novels that I secretly love. BUT reading this was super uncomfortable because of how casual the abuse was and how the reader was being led to assume that the main character, Cat, deserved it. As though she was the one being difficult and should feel grateful that she was kidnapped and drug around by a rope because show more ultimately it was for a good cause and she would get to be part of their "team" if she could just behave and stop fighting them and trying to escape. I am actually kind of surprised that so many people rated this so highly. I feel kind of icky after getting through as much of this as I did. show less

I want to preface this by saying that I'm generally not nitpicky about certain themes in books - I actually have an entire shelf of questionable bodice ripper historical romance novels that I secretly love. BUT reading this was super uncomfortable because of how casual the abuse was and how the reader was being led to assume that the main character, Cat, deserved it. As though she was the one being difficult and should feel grateful that she was kidnapped and drug around by a rope because show more ultimately it was for a good cause and she would get to be part of their "team" if she could just behave and stop fighting them and trying to escape. I am actually kind of surprised that so many people rated this so highly. I feel kind of icky after getting through as much of this as I did. show less

' "Evil is evil!” [... not] "a perspective".'

Ok I'm totally sold on Nightchaser! The characters are feisty, heroic, damaged and easily identified with. A fast paced romantic space opera with Bouchet's particular brand of panache. I can well see why she claims Robin Hood and Star Wars as her muses, referring to "these characters and their epic struggle" as strong influences. I'm also seeing shades of Elizabeth Moon's Vatta series.
Captain Tess Bailey and her crew, escapees from an show more horrendous prison are committed to righting wrongs against a harsh and intractable dictator, the conquering Overlord. With the opening sequence, Tess and crew find themselves in an unwinnable situation. And this is just the beginning!
Tess' soliloquies on the place of novels in this totalitarian world are a window into Bouchet's soul.
“Because novels stir feelings, wishes, and the heart,” [Tess] said. “Not all ideas and thoughts need to be proven, or even can be, and the Overseer is only interested in—no, only allows—what can be measured and quantified and put in a neat little box.”
And again Tess' (Bouchet's) magical thoughts on "kindred spirits".
"For some reason, it made [Tess] think of a huge web connecting everyone who fought the oppressive regime in whatever way they could, big or small. The image morphed into stars, bright spots of hope and courage winking all over the Dark—one giant constellation, spread out, but strong. Stronger than the Overseer thought."
I'm in love with the enticing Shade Ganavan (drool!) who manages to both complicate and simplify his and Tess' situation. Shade himself is pulled between his own long term plans and his unexpected feelings for Tess. The chemistry between them goes nova!
I'll also be fascinated to find out what the Big Guy's story is and where other characters will develop. Ahh! So many questions that only future parts of the series will reveal. I can hardly wait!

A NetGalley ARC show less

This was a powerful, myth-infused fantasy that pulled me into the depths of Atlantis alongside Bellanca and Carver. I was lucky to grab a physical ARC copy at Apollycon, and it was absolutely worth it. The world-building is rich, blending Greek mythology with high-stakes romance. Bellanca’s fiery strength and Carver’s quiet loyalty create a compelling dynamic, even if their enemies-to-lovers tension was rocky at first. The emotional growth and the way their bond deepens made the payoff show more worth it. As the story unfolds, the stakes rise with divine politics, tragic twists, and plenty of action. It’s intense, heartfelt, and beautifully written. A must-read for fans of romantic fantasy with a mythological edge. show less