My first sci-fi romance book - although shelved with sci-fi, as the romance is the sub-plot and doesn't present much of a conflict for the main characters. The sci-fi is solid, natural, and well integrated into the plot, but the technology is essentially Star-Trekesque rather than overly original. At least no one beams down anywhere.

I struggled to maintain interest in the story because it just didn't seem important enough. Our heroine and hero are out to save an alien species being used in labs to breed some other alien species that's to be used as a bioweapon. Call me speciesist but I didn't know or care enough about the first alien race to get emotionally involved in the mission to save them (by committing terrorism, no less).

Nevertheless, the interactions between the characters were well done. I have little patience for religious-based motivations, but fortunately they didn't dominate the action. A third main character (a blue alien monk) turns out to be sexier than the hero, which had me hoping for a threesome... no such luck. In fact the guy essentially disappears in the last third of the book.

The ending is a little rushed and the resolution a little long, but overall this was quite an enjoyable read.

I got this book because I've read some of her other/later works that I liked. However, this one really isn't worth reading. Get Finder's Keepers or Accidental Goddess, they are much better than this.

Gabriel's Ghost is a fantastic book!!! It's a puzzle of compelling pieces set into a beautifully finished, futuristic landscape--one you can't wait to finish. The tale enthralled me with its constant action, adventure, and a gripping love story. Linnea Sinclair has mastered the difficult skill of weaving a futuristic world with a detailed science fiction setting that can't be topped... all of this... balanced with an equally captivating story. Don't miss Linnea Sinclair's Gabriel's Ghost!!!

So I bought this book with very low expectations. It had been recommended to me by a couple of friends, but I was skeptical. I was very much surprised to discover a very enjoyable read. The Science fiction elements weren't there just to support a lot of heaving breasts, it was integral to the story and extremely well done. The romance was both hot and sweet and neither character was an idiot. My usual complaint with romances is that neither character can be honest with themselves, or the other person, because they're just too stupid to recognize that they are making things worse for themselves for no real reason. Ms. Sinclair does not fall into this trap. She crafts likeable, interesting protaganists, devious, but understandable villains and a world that hangs together believably.

The only problem is how few books she has written. I would like a full shelf in my library dedicated just to her work, she's that good. I would put her up there with David Weber, Andre Norton, and Anne McCaffrey. It's a shame that she is considered "Cross-genre" and will probably not get as much recognition from the SF community because of it. She deserves accolades and to be hounded by pimply fourteen year olds at cons. LOL

Honestly though, this book was amazing and I immediately went out and got everything else of hers that I could find. I highly recommend anything by Ms. Sinclair to anyone who likes a well-written sexual tension in their hard SF, or well-plotted hard SF in their romance novel.

* 2006 Rita® Award Winner! *

Linnea Sinclair is an expert in world building and now you can add romance to that expertise. In GABRIEL'S GHOST, she combines science fiction and romance in a sizzling manner that leaves you wanting more.

Captain Chasidah Bergren was falsely accused of a crime she didn't commit, court-martialed and sentenced to a harsh prison planet. Her surprising rescue comes in the form of Gabriel Sullivan, a pirate and mercenary who Chas had chased from one end of the galaxy to the next.

Though Sully initially told Chas he needed her expertise in shipping and knowledge of the system, his underlying personal needs often take precedence over his practical needs. He is on the hunt for the people behind the breeding of the deadly jukors. He asks for and gets Chas' help in his quest. Along the way, Chas starts to see Sully the man instead of Sullivan, the pirate. They must work together to clear both their names and reputations, and the close contact sets off sparks that grow. Throw in a personal secret that Sully must hide and you have the makings of great conflict and an even better story.

Linnea blends science fiction, romance, world building and the paranormal into a wonderful read. You will not be able to put this one down.

Reviewed by Vicky Burkholder
9/17/2006