Only Cold Depths
Author: Jennifer Estep
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
What I’m Talking About:
Picking up shortly after the second and third titles, Only Cold Depths finds Vesper and Kyrion on the run from the leader of the Imperium, his Arrows, and the terrorist group Techwavers. With a huge bounty on their heads, it’s not surprising when dangerous mercenaries discover their location and nearly capture Vesper. But when the same group is also involved in a mysterious plot on a non-Imperium planet, Vesper and Kyrion realize something devious is going on.
Only Cold Depths continues the high-action adventures of Vesper and Kyrion in a series that should be read in order. Part planet-hopping sci-fi and part magic-wielding fantasy, the Galactic Bond series is a wonderful blend of action and romance. There is an over-arching storyline of the Techwavers versus the Imperium, which involves the couple, who are truebonded, making them a prize to the devious Callus Holloway. While this storyline isn’t the central focus this time around, it’s still plays a significant part in what happens.
I enjoy the personal relationships most in the series. I liked that even though it took what felt like a really long time, Kyrion and Vesper’s relationship continues to progress. Their bond gets stronger and they become wiser. I really enjoying watching Vesper having to come to terms with her newly discovered family. I don’t love that her insecurities and past continue to dominate her actions; however, I hope that based on the events in Only Cold Depths, she’s moving past her worries. I don’t love that her powers, especially when combined with Kyrion and the truebond, gives Vesper such a wide range of capabilities that get her out of any situation.
Only Cold Depths brings readers lots of action and more forward momentum for both the romance and the series plot. There are little side stories (such as Asterin and Zane!) that add to the overall enjoyment, and I hope we get more progress on these supporting characters, soon!
My Rating: B
Jen
About the Book:
A WOMAN WHO CAN’T CONTROL HER POWER . . .
Everyone knows the name Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat working in a Regal-owned corporation, but thanks to my truebond with Kyrion Caldaren, I’m now one of the most wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy.
Kyrion and I have spent the last few weeks avoiding bounty hunters, along with the Arrows, the elite Imperium warriors tasked with capturing us. Now we’ve journeyed to a distant planet that’s supposed to be a refuge for truebonded couples, but when new enemies appear, we’re once again in grave danger.
As a seer, inventor, and engineer, I’m skilled at figuring out how things work, but I can’t quite understand my growing magic and newfound psionic abilities. The clock is ticking, and if I don’t figure out how to tap into my power, I’ll doom myself to a gruesome fate, along with Kyrion.
A MAN WHO CAN’T LET GO OF HIS FEAR . . .
As Kyrion Caldaren, I’m used to being respected and feared, especially given my telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. What I’m not used to is being on the run, but as a rogue Arrow, I’ll do anything to protect Vesper.
Just when I think we’ve finally reached a safe haven, trouble finds us again, reigniting all my fears about losing Vesper.
When the cold depths of our enemies’ plan are finally revealed, the truth is more terrifying than anything I could imagine. Soon Vesper and I are fighting for our lives again, but even with our growing truebond power, this is one battle we might not survive.
Release Date: October 29, 2024
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Series: Galactic Bonds #4
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romantic Elements
Format(s): paperback (478 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)