Review: C791 by Eve Langlais

Title: C791 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines #1)
Author: Eve Langais
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Length: Novella
Reviewed by: Jasmyn
Rating: 4 - Really liked it. Don't pass it up.
Sexual: 3 - Sexy hot with details

Machines aren't supposed to feel, but this cyborg can't help falling in love.Assigned as a
specimen collector for a captured cyborg, Chloe is intrigued by the machine disguised as a man. Kidnapped during his daring escape, he shows her that despite the chip in his brain, his humanity is not completely lost.Formerly known as unit X109GI, Joe is on a quest to discover his origin. While he doesn't find the answers he's looking for, he does discover that affection and lust aren't just for humans. But when it comes to a battle between logic and love, which side will the cybernetic organism-once a man-choose?Evaluating his feelings will have to wait though because the military isn't done with Joe. But their threats against him pale in comparison before the shocking discovery of project C791, the revelation of which stuns the rebel cyborgs-and ignites a fury for vengeance..

My review:

I was one of those nerds that always thought Data from Star Trek was cute - I loved his struggle with emotions vs. logic, and Eve Langlais's cyborg series seems to hit that science fiction bug inside me just right.  That, combined with her snarky humor and amazing characters made this one close to a home run.  X109GI, Joe (hahaha...I just got that), is one of the first cyborgs to break free of his programming and rebel against the humans that controlled him.  He and his brothers are on a mission to find out more about how they are created and if they can create more like them.  Joe's struggle with the emotions and thoughts that he encounters along this journey are great.  His internal debates about what is logical and what isn't were well thought out.

On the other hand, I wish I could have seen more about Chloe earlier on.  I can't say too much about her here because there's a really big secret involving her.  Where Joe was very dynamic - especially considering he's part machine - Chloe didn't strike me as a very great character until almost the very end.  Other than being cute, I didn't quite see what Joe saw in her at first.

C791 was an amazing start to the series, and laid the groundwork for a lot more action and sexiness to come.  The world is very well written - especially for a novella where there isn't always a lot of time to develop the surroundings.  My inner sci-fi geek is feeling quite well treated after this one.

Review Destiny's Flower by Linda Harley

Title: Destiny's Flower (Saldiora, #1)
Author: Linda Harley
Source: Author
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Length: Novel (312 pgs)
Reviewed by CaroleDee



Doctor Lynn Davis is kidnapped by handsome Lord Kyle von Talion and taken to a far off planet, Saldiora. As she finds herself in this unfamiliar culture, she must learn to fight with a sword, ride a talking horse, and endure the politics of a royal court if she is to survive. 

Kyle has his hands full keeping Lynn from making cultural blunders and ensuring her safety. The Juntu's are plotting to take over Saldiora and consider Lynn to be a threat to their success. 

Will Lynn live long enough to fulfill her destiny and save the kingdom of Saldiora?
 

Alright, Sci-Fi and Fantasy lovers out there have I got a treat for you. Destiny's Flower is like the love child of Star Trek and Game of Thrones.  Sounds like an odd mix, right? Well, it works and I couldn't seem to put it down! (Definitely a family starver. You know, one of those books that you can't seem to get away from, even to make dinner! Thank goodness my husband indulges my book obsession ;)

What starts off as a normal day for Lynn Davis quickly turns into an episode from the Twilight Zone. She's lecturing her class when two men (who she assumes are government types) bust in and start questioning her identity. Before she knows it she finds herself on a spaceship, training for a competition that hasn't even been explained to her. Talk about a crazy week!

Soon she finds herself on the planet of  Saldiora. (This is where we go from Star Trek to medieval times with a technologically advanced twist.) Lynn learns to train in sword combat, horse riding, and aristocracy traditions all so she win the competition (along with it the hand of the Prince) she has unknowingly been prophesied to win.

Sound like a wild ride? Well, I haven't even mentioned that there's a radical faction of Saldorians (The Jutus) that will stop at nothing to ensure Lynn never becomes queen!

The romance is light in this installment of the Saldiora series, but there is tons of action, adventure, and character development. For unforgettable characters and a wild be sure to check out Destiny's Flower. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Because Destiny's Flower ends on, somewhat of, a cliffhanger, I had a mini Q and A with the author to get a few answers. 

Any ideas on a release date of the second book in the Saldiora saga? 

It is currently in the draft stages, and my goal is to have it published around the December time frame.

Do you know yet how many books you plan on the series being? Will future books revolve only around Lynn's adventures?

These two questions really go together.  I've got 3 books planned for Lynn's story which will make up the Saldiora series. They will all focus on Lynn.  

 

If you look at my website, there is also the Nuelda series, which plays of decades before the Saldiora series, and focuses on a girl called Anna McKlendle.  Lynn actually meets her in Book 2 of Saldiora series.  The Nuelda series will be an ongoing series of short stories, and I've got several season planned, and may one day compile it into one book.  For now it is meant to be something that all my fans across the world can enjoy for free.  

 

There are a few other stories I have in mind that are begging to be told, but like any artist I'm struggling between keeping back to the same world or the excitement of trying my hand on something completely new.  But for the moment I can push those tendencies aside as I focus on getting Saldiora done.

And this might seem like an odd one, but will there be any love scenes in future installments?

If by love scenes you mean sex, than absolutely not, there will be nothing graphical or erotic and in fact not even suggestions of sex.  The reason being, I'm writing this book for all ages. I want my 10 year old niece and my 73 year old mom to enjoy the book without having to blush. So, my stories will always be "g" rated. However, there will be some hand holding, a little bit of kissing, hugging, and a lot of falling in and out of love occurring.

Thanks to Linda Harley for indulging my curiosity. I can't wait to see what happens next!

About the author
 

Linda Harley was born in Durban, South Africa and at the age of 7 developed a love for music and writing. She received her BS and MS in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA in 2002 and 2004, respectively and in 2011 she received her PhD in Applied Physiology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Linda loves to travel and see the world. Experiencing new cultures and immersing herself into these cultures is a daily adventure for her.

Connect with Linda:
Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page

For extra’s, excerpts and interesting facts about the world of Saldiora be sure to check out Linda's blog HERE