Angel Mine (Azura Chronicles, book 1)

SCI-FI:  Bounty hunter and all around badass, Fianna is not afraid to violate galactic trade regulations to pursue her quarry to the mysterious and forbidden blue planet of Azura. After all, she needs Tarkan alive to win the bounty money and pay for her brother’s surgery. Crash-landing on the planet makes things that much harder — as does the realization that Tarkan hasn’t come alone. The planet is a source of powerful crystal and Tarkan will do anything to get his hands on it… and on Fianna.

Acielon has never met anyone like Fianna. Born to Azura, he has always obeyed the strict rules of the Archons, even while harboring a forbidden desire to leave the planet to explore the universe. When he uses his powers to save Fianna, he sets in motion a series of events that lead both him and Fianna into new complications and dangers – as well as the promise of romance.

Ms. Schartz writes a fast-paced space adventure/romance with lots of twists, turns, and enough action to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts. Her story telling is imaginative and her action scenes vivid, even painful to read. However, her narrative moves too fast to allow for the kind of true world building that a sci-fi epic needs. Another stumbling block is the relationship between the naïve and child-like Acielon and world-weary Fianna. Fianna is a likeable lead, but Acielon is so childish that their relationship feels borderline inappropriate. However, there is character growth and a pleasing happily ever after that sets up a sequel. 

Janice Martin