Only Hard Problems

Galactic Bonds, Book 3

De: Jennifer Estep

Narrado por: Max Roll, Lauren Fortgang

“This is space opera at its finest.”—Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author on Only Bad Options

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Estep continues her Galactic Bonds series with a new, action-packed adventure that blends science-fiction technology and magical fantasy elements with a touch of historical romance. This rollicking space opera focuses on a fan-favorite secondary character who’s part hero, part villain, and all arrogance. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.

PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . . .

My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.

But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.

The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect.

I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . .

Note: Only Hard Problems is a 47,000-word book from the point of view of Zane Zimmer. It takes place after Only Good Enemies, book 2 in the Galactic Bonds science-fiction fantasy series.

©2024 Jennifer Estep (P)2024 Audible, Inc.

Book 3

Overall I enjoyed the novella; however, it felt like a filler and unfinished. 🫤 This is Zane’s story and more about family politics with a small side of tentative romance and action. The narrator did a nice job!

Nice fill in the blanks book

Since this book is almost all Zane, his viewpoint, his interactions, his thought, his hair and camera poses, was a nice nice side track from the main storyline. Also allowed me to see if my assumptions and guesses about him or his actions where correct or way off. I didn't guess everything correctly but a lot was confirmed with this book about Zane and other characters in this book.

I know these side story noveletts are popular now, and a lot are a waste fo ink and paper they are written on. This book could be a novelette or the third book in series. So the author dod a good job.

Yes, I would like more of the main storyline, however this in hanged the main storyline, IMHO.

Enjoying this “side story” to the other two in the series.

I am enjoying the story-line and characters, including this story from another character’s viewpoint.

Zane's side of the story

3 stars - I liked it

Following the events of the previous book, Zane Zimmer is now leader of the Arrows and is tasked with finding and capturing Kyrion and his newly discovered sister, Vesper Quill. While Zane appears to the public as an arrogant and obtuse regal, he is actually a cunning and deadly Arrow who has emotions and is struggling with the revelations that Vesper is his sister.

It was great to finally get to know Zane better and see how he is dealing with the revelation that Vesper is his sister and now being in charge of hunting her. While I still think Zane is arrogant, I now know the man better and can see how much he actually cares about his family and wants to protect them. The revelation about Vesper shocked him and he is struggling over the fact that he never got to be a part of her life and that his grandmother had kept her away from his family. While I don't like some of Zane’s actions, I am very curious to see how he deals with hunting Vesper and Kyrion in the next book.

This book also gives us a glimpse of the chemistry between Zane and Asterin which was enjoyable, especially since they both are fighting it so hard. I am very interested in seeing how their relationship plays out, especially since Asterin seems to hate him most of the time.

Overall, while I still have some issues with Zane, I enjoyed this and like that we got a deeper look at this character. I really can’t wait to read the next book and see what will happen next for Vesper and Kyrion.

Great story!

Very entertaining and fast action with many special surprises I didn't see coming. you will enjoy this book.