"Fast-paced science fiction thriller"

When Raheiran Captain Gillaine Davré regains consciousness in a sick bay she knows that is not a new occurrence. However, her Sentient Integrated Mobile Nanoessence space ship, Simon, informs her that three hundred forty-two years and sixteen hours have passed since her last conscious memory of fighting the Fav'lhir. Another shocker surfaces when she learns everyone believes she sacrificed herself to save the Khalarans from certain defeat at the hands of the Fav'lhir and honored for her sacrifice by naming her the Goddess Kiasidira. Drinking Devil's Breath does not make anything easier for her as she realizes she must hide who she is because society has constructed key elements focused on the Goddess Kiasidira.

Cirrus One Space Station Commander Admiral Rynan "Mack" Makarian knows that his "guest" Gillaine hides secrets from him. He also realizes that Gillaine, who is at best a smuggler and at worst working for the enemy, is his soulmate that he has waited to love for over four decades. Mack assumes she feels the same way and expects her to reveal the truth eventually, hopefully sooner than later. Everything comes to a head between them when the Fav'lhir attacks for the first time in three hundred plus years.

Outer space fans will treasure this fast-paced science fiction thriller that starts with a bewildered heroine struggling with the exaggeration of her death. From that opening mental chat with Simon, fans are hooked to accompany Gillie on her efforts to initially buy time for repairs to Simon but ultimately lead the fight. Mack adds a fine supporting romantic subplot that provides additional tension to the star who feels so much stress that drinking Devil's Breath only gives her headaches. Readers will agree that this is a FINDERS KEEPERS tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 20, 2005