Only Bad Options

Galactic Bonds, Book 1

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang, James Fouhey

Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep blasts off with an exciting new science-fiction/fantasy adventure with a dash of historical romance. This action-packed space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soul mates and enemies-to-lovers story. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.

A woman who sees everything...

Few people know the name Vesper Quill. To most folks, I’m just a lowly lab rat who designs brewmakers and other household appliances in the research-and-development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. But when I point out a design flaw and a safety hazard in the new line of Kent Corp spaceships, everyone knows who I am—and wants to eliminate me.

I might be a seer with a photographic memory, but I don’t see the trouble headed my way until it’s too late. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

I don’t think things can get any worse until I meet Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord who insists that we have a connection, one that could be the death of us both.

A man who can’t forget his past...

The name Kyrion Caldaren strikes fear in the hearts of people across the Archipelago Galaxy. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’m used to being a villain, as well as the personal assassin of Lord Callus Holloway. Even the wealthy Regals who live on the planet of Corios are afraid of me.

But everything changes when I meet Vesper Quill. I might be a powerful psion with telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities, but Vesper sees far too many of my secrets.

Thanks to an arcane, unwanted quirk of psionic magic, the two of us are forced to work together to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and outwit the deadly enemies who want to bend us to their will.

©2022 Jennifer Estep (P)2022 Audible, Inc.

my kind of scifi

I can't wait for the next one. I love the world, the blend of tech and magic, the romance, and the promise of what's in store for future books. The world is vivid, and the intrigue and plotting kept be hooked the whole way through. The book ends with a great question that leaves me wanting more (not a cliffhanger at all).

Great book!

I enjoyed every minute. Great narrators, good story that kept me interested from beginning to end. Definitely hoping for this storyline to continue!

Fun, Well Performed!

I really enjoyed the story and the performances. Nice space opera, magic, romance plot. Very well executed. Loved the heroes, hated the villains. Cant wait for the sequel and I’ll look for more by this author. Strongly recommend!

Hard to walk away

This was a great sci fi read. interesting world of magic versus technology and Vesper and Kyrion were great characters. The story arc was really entrancing & I found myself sitting in my car way longer wanting one more chapter.

Great read

Another great series from Jennifer Estep. Hope to read many more books in the saga.

Unique plot well-told

No spoilers here. The twist is different from any other SciFi I’ve read. The narrators are great too. Looking forward to the next book(s).

Imaginative

Interesting mix of tech and magic and an interesting take on how being bonded can be dangerous

delivered suspense, romance, and more

We meet Vesper Quill, a seer with photographic memory who works as a lab-rat at Kent Corp. House Kent also designs star cruisers and when one crashes, it is Vesper who discovers why. When she realizes there is a coverup, she finds herself on a ship bound for danger. To survive, she’ll have to fight and place her trust in a Kyrion Coldren.

The tale that unfolds has houses fighting for more power, evil lords and a few swoons as Vesper finds herself bonded to Kyrion Coldren, the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.

The world-building was delivered as the story unfolded and we learned about the different houses, the tech wars and the evil lord who wants Coldren bonded and in his grip.

Vesper is smart, exceptional with gadgets and leary of people. Giving her history this all makes sense. The one thing she craves is to belong. Coldren, however, watched his parents suffer because of their bonding and has shut himself off from others. He has many enemies, from those who wish for his title to those that want to use him for his lineage.

The romance will be a slow burn over the course of the series. We are already seeing character growth. Now we need trust. I loved their interaction and the denial as we witnessed the bond grow. Both deserve a happily ever after and I am rooting for them.

Lauren Fortgang & James Fouhey narrated giving us alternate POVs from Vesper and Coldren. I enjoyed listening and felt they captured the characters’ unique personalities. The two work well together, from pacing to tone.

Perfect for fans of science fiction romance, space operas and romantic suspense off planet. Estep pulls the reader in and holds them until the end. Looking forward to the next!

Enjoyed it

Loved the characters and development of the story line. The narrators were great and easy to listen to.

Absolutely love it!

A perfect combination of sci-fi, action, and drama. The romance is a building relationship that I’m sure we will see more if in the sequel, but as it stands was more an unseen promise than a real action in this book. Tons of world-building and character development, and I can’t wait for the next book!