I am such a fan of science fiction movies and TV shows, but I rarely read sci-fi novels, and I've certainly never picked up anything that could be classified as a "space opera" before. But when I heard about Brand of Light, something about it intrigued me ... and now I wish the entire series was available, as book one wasn't enough!
There’s a price on her head, and it has everything to do with the brand on her arm.
Tertian Space Coalition has blessed every planet in the quadrants with high technology, save one: Drosero. But in spite of their tenuous treaty with the ruling clans, TSC has plans for the backward planet. And they’re not alone.
After a catastrophic explosion, Kersei Dragoumis awakens in a derelict shuttle, alone, injured, and ignorant of the forbidden technology that has swept her into a nightmare. The brand she’s borne since childhood burns mysteriously, but the pain is nothing to that when she learns her family is dead and she is accused of their murders.
Across the quadrants, Marco Dusan responds to the call of a holy order—not to join them, but to seek a bounty. Gifted—or cursed—with abilities that mark him a Kynigos, a tracker sworn to bring interplanetary fugitives to justice, Marco discovers this particular bounty has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with prophecy. One that involves the hunter as much as the hunted.
When I first started Brand of Light, I struggled with it. There were so many unfamiliar names and descriptions, and I struggled to keep everything straight. I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to keep going. But then I made myself a character list (something that would have been incredibly helpful were it included in the book), and I kept going ... and soon I was swept into the story unfolding throughout the pages.
There's romance, intrigue, adventure, and crazy-terrifying technology. The story goes in places I didn't anticipate, and it really blindsided me at the end ... and left me wishing I could immediately pick up book two!
Brand of Light is written by Ronie Kendig, who is known for her military fiction. If you peruse other reviews, you'll see that many people picked up Brand of Light because they love her other books. For me, it was different: I took a chance on Brand of Light knowing that Kendig's other books weren't my cup of tea, hoping I'd react to her sci-fi writing differently than I did her military fiction. And I did! This is a series that I am so eager to continue. 4 stars.
Buy the book. (affiliate link)
Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author of over twenty titles. An Army brat, Ronie lives a shot train ride from New York City with her husband, twin sons, and two fur-sons, VVolt N629, a retired military working dog, and Benning the Stealth Golden. Described as an empath by her literary agent, Ronie has used her degree in psychology to write books that have won the coveted Christy Award, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, HOLT Medallion Award, and more. Her books have also hit the CBA Bestseller List multiple times.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links; this means if you click the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
That ending ... I was really surprised that happened! Still looking forward to what the sequel will be like. =)
ReplyDeleteI was surprised, too--and a little bit heartbroken! Book two can't come quickly enough! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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