Sanctify, Book 1
Synopsis: When the cards tell Ophelia Leoni she’s supposed to marry the Prince of Hansarda, the gunrunner grits her teeth and boards the starship that comes for her. It doesn’t matter if the ship’s commander is the gorgeous stranger she just spent a wild, drunken night with. As a Diviner, she’s painfully aware the cards don’t lie. Ever.
Boone O’Keirna knows Ophelia is trouble the second he sees the way she moves. Not about to let the deadly little hellcat marry his sadistic half-brother, Boone pretends to be the Prince’s emissary and kidnaps Ophelia. Too bad they can’t be in the same room without him wanting to throw her out an airlock–or into bed.
Even as they fight each other–and their explosive attraction–Ophelia and Boone sense something is wrong. Too much is going their way. Soon, they realize while the cards may never lie, the truth is sometimes hidden between them…and the future king of Hansarda is not one to take defeat lying down.
Review: I love Romance. I love Science Fiction. There should be no problem with Sci-Fi Romance? Right? Indeed, I quite enjoyed Queen of Swords.
I liked the world Katee Robert has created. Thanks to the Sci-Fi input, there is a lot of imagination going into this book. No complicated stuff here, no, just some light space opera to spice the things up. Spaceships, planets, new technologies and strange creatures are some of the ingredients you can find here. I particularly loved the Diviners, Ophelia’s specie. Being able to read the future along with the past and present, they have been decimated by an extremist faction, Sanctify, and must constantly hide their true nature.
Between this threat and Boone’s struggle of power with his half-brother, there were enough elements outside of the romance to keep me interested. The story is fast-paced (perhaps sometimes a bit rushed) and thanks to the exciting action scenes, there was never a dull moment.
The main characters are not really unique, but they are very likeable nevertheless. Both Ophelia and Boone are strong willed fighter. With such personalities, there is no way to avoid an explosive relationship. No matter what they do, they can’t stop infuriating each other. I enjoyed their incessant arguments full of banter and sexual tension. Sadly, when they finally admitted loving each other, I felt that there was something missing and I was unable to feel their connection. I guess they were better at fighting each other 😉
Finally, alongside those two, we get to meet a cast of interesting secondary characters.Now I want to read more about Cole the tigerman and Jenny, Boone’s badass sister.
To summarize: Even if I didn’t completely buy the love connection between Boone and Ophelia, I quite enjoyed Queen of Swords. I particularly loved the imaginative world building and the fast paced adventure. Both made for an entertaining and uncomplicated read.
Maggie
Sounds pretty good! I love romance (pun intended) and I avoid heavy science fiction. Light sci-fi with romance though, sounds pretty good. =)
Gilwen
I have nothing against heavy science fiction in itself, but I’m not sure it would mix well with romance though ^^ But here the book concentrates more on fiction than on science, no long explanations and technical jargon.
Jennifer Bielman
I am up for exciting action scenes, even if things are a little fast. Too bad about the love connection though.
Gilwen
Yes, too bad, but the rest was really fun.
Tracy Terry
Sci-fi-romance? As neither are top of my favourite reads list I’m surprised this has captured my imagination but captured it it has.
Gilwen
Well, it was a first for me, but I’ll definitely give another try at sci-fi romance. I think that there is more imagination going into these books than with “plain” contemporary romances.
Franny @ Mind Reader
I don’t like Science Fiction, but this sounds like an interesting read, and I love the pink/purple shade of the cover!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gilwen!
Gilwen
Oh yeah, never underestimate the appeal of a book cover 😉 And perhaps Sci-Fi romance will make you like Science Fiction in the end.
brandileigh2003
Fast paced is good, but not when it starts into the rushing territory, but the explosive romance gets my attention
Gilwen
The ending, mostly, is a bit rushed. It’s very frustrating ^^
Amir
Sometimes, an uncomplicated read I just what you need! I have read a few Sci-Fi romance and I do like this sub-genre cause bit brings something different to the romance. Even though you didn’t complete buy the romance between the two main characters in this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it overall. Awesome review! 🙂
Gilwen
Oh yes ! And it was definitely what I needed. It was the first time I readed Sci-Fi romance but I am now quite fond of the sub-genre. It’s refreshing and full of imagination.
kindlemom1
This does sound really interesting! I can’t remember the last time I read a sci fi romance. Maybe I should give them another try?
Gilwen
If you want to try another book, I have also heard of Linnea Sinclair and her Dock Five Universes series.
aurian
Nice review Gilwen, I will keep this book in mind when I want some sci-fi romance.
Gilwen
Thanks 😉 It’s really a quick and uncomplicated read, perfect for the summer I guess.
Kirsty-Marie
This sounds like an okay read, but a fun okay read! And I love hate/love romance, they’re always fun. 😉 Shame that they seemed better at the banter/fighting than actually having that extra special something for the love part. 🙁 I love fast paced books too, even if it’s a little rushed, it still sounds like a good time. You always need ones like these every now and then. 🙂
Gilwen
Yes, it was really fun, exactly what my mind needed between two more complicated books. Besides, I am also a sucker for love/hate romances, even when the love part is a bit lacking.
Livia @ Butterfly-o-Meter Books
Yey, sounds like a fun read 😀 Though if you’re not buying into the romance fully, I guess on imaginative worldbuilding alone you can’t really fall in love with a book, I mean I know I can’t 🙂
Gilwen
That’s why I gave it only 3,5 stars 🙁
Nina
I haven’t read a lot of Sci-fi romance novels, but I do like the sound of this one. And of course the cover is fun! Too bad about the missing part in the romance department. Maybe in the next book the spark will be there again. 🙂
Gilwen
I think I also read “too much” romances during the last few months and became very difficult with sparks 😉
Heidi
Now sci-fi romance is something different. I am not sure if I have ever read a book in this genre. I am glad the world building was excellent even if the romance didn’t have you completely sold. Sounds like a unique read.
Gilwen
It was the first book I read, but I think the sci-fi part definitely brings something different to the romance, mainly a lot of imagination.
Cristina
Sometimes I need a story that isn’t overly complicate and your couple science fiction with romance and I’m there! LOL…even though you didn’t buy certain things, at least you enjoyed it! 😉
Gilwen
Yes, it was far from a bad read. The fun and uncomplicated part was what I needed at this point.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Ah… this sounds like a good summer read to me. Nothing too complicated and just fun enough to enjoy. I’m surprised about the romance given the cover, but perhaps it gets better throughout the series.
Gilwen
Yes ! Exactly ! Perfect for the summer 😀
Lily
Oh i’m actually really intirgued about this one, even if you weren’t feeling the romance 100%! I like how the sci fi incoroporates into the story!
Great review
Lily
Gilwen
It definitely brings something different to the book (universe + story).
blodeuedd
Hm…I am intrigued but would want more
Gilwen
You could always give it a try. There is also a short prequel on Ophelia’s parents.
anna@herding cats & burning soup
OOoos I’ve been wanting to try her for ages! And been a long dang time since I read a Space Opera! Glad it was a good read even if not entirely solid romance wise 🙂
Gilwen
Then try it ! And if you are looking for a fun space opera with an engaging plot, a badass heroine, a lot of mystery and a good romantic element, I recommend the Paradox trilogy by Rachel Bach.
Jessica @ Rabid Reads
I think I’ll hold off on this one until I see more from this author. I love sci-fi and romance too, but if I don’t believe the romance . . . Great review!
Braine Talk Supe
I struggle with this sub-genre, sometimes the sci-fi gets too fantastical for my brain to keep up.
Pam (@MoonlightReader)
I like when the secondary characters are developed enough for the readers to be interested in them. Thanks for the review! 🙂
LilyElement
Ohh I enjoy scifi and romance, will add this to my TBR
kara-karina
I didn’t realise this book has a new cover. Great review, Gilwen! I bought this one ages ago but still haven’t read it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have enjoyed books where I didn’t quite connect with the characters but loved the world, so I get it. The science fiction elements appeal to me 🙂