Across The Stars by Lauren Smith & Noah Chinn -a Review

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Description:
She’s one of the last free humans. On the run… And running out of time.

Laina Roberts has been on the run for ten years, a freeborn human hiding from the cyborgs of the Silver Legion who now controls what’s left of humanity. Moving secretly from planet to planet and space station to space station makes for a damn lonely life—and don’t even get her started on how long it’s been since she last had sex. Sometimes she thinks it might be worth turning herself in to the cyborgs just to end the loneliness. That is, until she’s caught!

Captured by a hot-as-hell Legion officer, the cyborg Ronan makes her think being probed by him might not be so bad. But becoming a cyborg’s slave—sex or otherwise—isn’t high on her to-do list. She doesn’t trust him and doesn’t understand his constant questions about Earth—especially those about her long-dead relatives. Ronan can just kiss her ass—oh yes, please—because she is not going to let her desires or his incredibly perfect body weaken her resolve. She now has a new mission, to convince the cyborgs and the rest of the galaxy that all Terrans, humans and synthetic humans like cyborgs, have the right to be free.

If only he didn’t make her feel like melting into his arms and never leaving. Being captured by a cyborg might not be so bad after all…

Review:

Across the Stars by Lauren Smith & Noah Chinn is the 1^st book in their Cyborg Genesis series.  I wasn’t sure what to expect in this sci-fi storyline, as I have recently read a few Sci/Fantasy books, and I am happy to say I really enjoyed Across the Stars. 

Laina Roberts, our heroine, is possibly the last human (freeborn), since the destruction of earth hundreds of years ago.  Laina has been in hiding for 10 years, constantly changing planets, working on space stations masquerading as another race. If she is caught, she will be sent away to live as a slave. But Laina’s luck is about to end, as the space station she is working on, is being searched for a freeborn, and the Silver Legion (cyborgs) are the best at what they do. 

Ronan, the cyborg lead officer, captures Laina and forces her aboard the Silver Legion.  Though he is a cyborg, Ronan is one hot hunk, and despite his arrogance, Laina finds herself deeply attracted to him; he is the enemy and she cannot control her lustful feelings.  Ronan also finds himself unusually attracted to Laina, but tries to fight off those feelings.  Many of the men on the Silver Legion, resent the freeborn, and this will cause problems aboard the ship, causing danger for Laina.  But it will be Ronan who will come her rescue, as well as the doctor Val, who also recognizes something different in Laina.

What follows is a complex and interesting world building that will revolve around various different races, with the cyborgs protecting all.  Once the doctor realizes that Laina is very important to them, those aboard the Silver Legion begin to change their feelings of freeborn, as they want the chance to live more normal lives.  Though some of the men hate freeborns, and once again Laina finds herself in danger.  

Laina was a great heroine; smart, strong, savvy and independent. I loved her and Ronan together, especially when they succumbed to their lustful feelings, which cemented their relationship and working together. I also enjoyed Laina new found friendship with Val (the doctor who realizes how important she is) and Alanna (top female officer) , who I do look forward to in future books if they get their own story.  The other secondary characters were very well done.

Without telling too much more, as I do not want to spoil things, the story line moving forward will center on bringing the races together to bring equality, as well as use Laina’s ability and her access to the ark to help find a way to bring them all together similar to earth.  The important factor when starting this book is there are a lot of details such as the various races, planets & environments are explored, and we meet many new characters; in Sci-Fi or Fantasy that is always the norm.  So if it feels a bit slow early on, you need to stay with it, as it becomes a fascinating ride.

Across the Stars was a great read, wonderful characters, excellent story line and so much more to come in future books.  We need to know more about the ark, and what Ronan , Laina and their group will do to bring back unity.  Lauren Smith and Noah Chinn have created a wonderful new series, which I look forward to reading more about.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review