This time out, I have the latest from Cheryl Brooks, Fugitive (Sourcebooks), next in her 'Cat Star Chronicles'. In this new installment, artist Drusilla has come to Barada Seven after a friend's suggestion for a vacation and maybe some inspiration for her painting. What she gets is Manx, a Zetithian warrior who's been living here secretly for some time, hiding from those who would kill off his race permanently and watching Drusilla since her arrival. What she also gets is some interesting sex and new enemies, as well as a fleet of new friends and an education about things she never imagined. If you haven't read any of the previous books in this series, you should wait to read this one until you're caught up, otherwise you won't know who all of the secondary characters are, and their relationships with one another will make no sense to you. If you have read the previous books in the series, this one won't be covering any new ground, unfortunately. I really enjoyed the first couple books in this series, but the last few weren't nearly as good. This one, sadly, didn't make me fall in love, or even in like, and I think the secondary characters took up an awful lot of 'screen time' in Drusilla and Manx's story, which isn't necessarily a good thing. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I didn't like this one at all. I figured with a Zetithian hero, there had to be something I'd enjoy in the tale, but I was wrong. I think I'm officially bored with the series, barring anything universe-shattering occurring in future installments. Drusilla didn't engage my interest, and Manx seemed rather 'just one more', which I found disappointing. And, while I enjoy seeing characters from past stories when I'm reading a series, I usually enjoy seeing them a bit less than the ones who appear here. Too bad. I'm giving this one only two of Cupid's five arrows.
Until next time, happy reading!
