Only Bad Options

Galactic Bonds, Book 1

De: Jennifer Estep

Narrado por: Lauren Fortgang, James Fouhey

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

New York Times bestselling 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 soulmates 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

A great start to a series

4 stars - It was really good

This was an absolutely fantastic introduction to Vesper Quill and this universe. Vesper works in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. Unfortunately after she identifies a safety hazard in the new line of starcruisers she finds herself being hunted.

Like Estep’s previous series, this book instantly sucked me in and I didn’t want to put it down. This was a fascinating world with a deadly political atmosphere. This is a world where three powerful groups: the Imperium, the Techwave, and the Erzton are all fighting for control of the galaxy. The Imperium has current control and their leader, Lord Callus Holloway, is determined to stay in control and uses his siphon abilities to keep people in line. Everything about this world, the three power groups, and this leader was fascinating and provided a really rich world that makes me want more.

Vesper is an extremely smart woman who’s seer ability allows her to see how things work and how to improve them. Vesper was a fascinating woman who instantly captivated me. I loved learning about her past, her magic, and her feelings about the true bond. Kyrian Coldren is the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, and is the personal assassin for Lord Holloway. While Kyrion is portrayed as a ruthless man, he is actually hiding quite a lot of emotions under that armor. Kyrion was a character who I didn’t think I was going to like but by the end of his first POV chapter I loved him. He is such a strong man who is determined to survive Holloway but is also extremely lonely, which he realizes after meeting Vesper.

Vesper and Kyrian’s relationship was not what I was expecting. They have a true bond (basically fated mates) but neither of them want it due to various reasons that I won’t get into because I don’t want to spoil anything. I really enjoyed that this wasn’t an instant love story and that these two are reluctantly together. Their relationship starts as hostile and ends up being more like a partnership/ friendship by the end of this. Their relationship is still up in the air by the end of this so I am very excited to read book two to see what happens.

Overall, this was a wonderful introduction to a new world. I really enjoyed the politics and conflicts that these two are dealing with and really can’t wait to see how it plays out in the next book.

Trigger Warnings: sexual harassment in the workplace; kidnapping; war; references to child abandonment; death of parents; patricide; violence and death;

Couldn’t put it down

Interesting and different! Kept me engaged and couldn’t put it down! SciFi with a bit of fantasy

Unique

I am a big reader and it takes a lot to wow me. I enjoyed this book greatly. The main characters had flaws and were not god built. I am excited for the next book