Elaine White's Life in Books

Book – In Enemy Hands
Author – M.A. Church
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 214
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – Fantasy, LGBT, Science Fiction


** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine


*sigh*

This was an epic fantasy of mass proportion, with science fiction space lingo that was understandable, characters who were loveable and relateable as well as a romance that ticked my heart with affection.

I'm a sucker for both fantasy and science fiction, so the combination of vampire-like Helkan's – with fangs and a need for blood – and the fey-like appearance was awesome. Add in the slightly more human-like Yesri and it was a recipe for greatness. The volatile situation between their people, the way Helkan's were considered animals and the way Varo had been treated by his family – his father in particular – offered up the perfect blend of circumstances to open Varo's mind and allow the events after his capture to take place. The transition was believable fraught with tension, conflict and resistance, though there were also those lovely moments of submission, of not having anything left to fight with and, of course, Adlar's very skilful seductions breaking down Varo's barriers.

The chemistry was palpable; so real and explored in a way that made sense. Instant attraction and lust grew slowly for Varo, guided by events, feelings and the isolation they enjoyed in their first few days together. After that, when others got involved, it was great to see how Adlar suddenly realised everything that Varo had been struggling with and responded accordingly. At the same time, I love how they were both quite clear with each other as to the boundaries that could and couldn't be crossed. It was heart-warming to see the Master/slave relationship turned on it's head and become something much deeper than is common for the theme; even when Adlar had every reason to doubt, when others told him he was wrong and his trust was misplaced, he didn't doubt Varo for a minute.

The drama and danger were realistic and believable, as well as a great way to provide conflict and wrap up the lingering questions about Varo's family back in Yesri.

The dual POV was fantastic for displaying both sides of the story without ever having the need to repeat scenes in both POV's to show both sides. The characters of Varo, Adlar, as well as Omori and the nature of the Helkan's was made so vivid and clear that it was easy to interpret their reactions, a small word here, a look there, and figure out their feelings on matters that weren't shown in their POV. I was never left wondering about anything and all the questions I had about what happened right from page 1 were answered by the end of the story.

As well as incredible characterisation, great attention to detail with the descriptions, locations and starship/space aspects, there was an impressive level of world building that made everything visual and real, without leaving items unexplained or mysterious.

There was hot, sexiness, sharp wits, exhilarating arguments, seduction and so much more in the space of just over 200 pages. Yet, the story was fully complete, leaving me with no sense of needing more to explain or wrap up the story. Though I would definitely love to see Wrief's story, because I'm intrigued by these Orh'Neonian's (winged telepaths), that's just me being eager to read more of this world and these characters.

In short, it had absolutely everything I could want and nothing I didn't. As my first book by this author, I'll be eagerly delving into more soon.

~

Favourite Quote

“The tremble that threatened to shake Varo's frame caught him off guard. The look in that gaze was a mixture of scorching heat and frosty coolness – a predator who had Varo in his sights. The danger he felt flamed his body.”

“Never was he so glad to be in enemy hands.”