Reviewed by Cheryl
TITLE: Consorts of the Red King
SERIES: Standalone based in the Sentinel Universe
AUTHOR: Eden Winters
PUBLISHER: Rocky Ridge Books
LENGTH: 364 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 26, 2019
BLURB:
In deepest space the ruthless Federation lays waste to one rebel colony after another, leaving comrades-in-arms Van Orskey and Tayn Kassik without family, without a home, and without hope.
With nothing left but each other, they run contraband and smuggle fugitives from the safety of their ship, the Cormorant—with the occasional clandestine mission for the rival Coalition thrown in. Their heists have not gone unnoticed, though even the bounty on their heads doesn’t prevent them from being a thorn in the enemy’s side at every opportunity.
Pissing them off? Big mistake.
From the day of his birth Prince Jorvik of Akiak learned duty, wisdom, and honor from his father, leaving him ill-equipped to withstand betrayal by his Federation-puppet uncle. He has no love for the greedy off-worlders who plunder his world’s natural resources and enslave his people. To defeat his foe, he needs the cunning, fearlessness, and touch of treachery only outlaws can offer.
Two off-world mercenaries make unlikely partners in Jorvik’s quest for vengeance, but the more he learns of them, the more common ground he discovers. In each other’s arms they find passion, heat, and maybe, a reason for living—until their common enemy threatens to tear them apart.
To survive, they must take on the corrupt Federation.
And win.
REVIEW:
I don’t read many sci fi because of how often I am disappointed in the world building and character development. World building is often either clumsy with wooden exposition, overly complex or too sketchy. Characters are often fully formed, and often as not, some kind of fighter, slave or outlaw.
The best part of this book is that the world building is slow and easy, unfolding naturally as part of the story, Told as memories, vivid descriptions, conversations and inner reflection. I was drawn in, even when the details are not fully formed, allowing my mind to fill in the gaps. Sure the framework is set up, but the details are intimate, told through images like glances, quick thoughts, room descriptions, and all kinds of other small things.
The characters are delightful. One of the best things is that they are all strong in their own way, and all so different their very differences telling so many things about their worlds and experiencing. Not only that, but they all grew enormously through the story. One literally changing beyond all recognition.
The story that takes place within this tight, vivid framework is rich and exciting, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the last moment. I have to admit there were parts I skimmed through, just because I really needed to know how the situation panned out.
There are frequent sex scenes, but it doesn’t feel as if the story hangs on them. They are things that happen not the whole thing, like embroidery on silk, not the silk itself.
There are some little points I could nit pick because nothing is perfect, but I’m not going to because it would spoil the beautiful picture the book leaves in my mind.
RATING: 
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