' "Evil is evil!” [... not] "a perspective".'

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Nightchaser (Endeavor #1) by Amanda Bouchet          
Ok I'm totally sold on Nightchaser! The characters are feisty, heroic, damaged and easily identified with. A fast paced romantic space opera with Bouchet's particular brand of panache. I can well see why she claims Robin Hood and Star Wars as her muses, referring to "these characters and their epic struggle" as strong influences. I'm also seeing shades of Elizabeth Moon's Vatta series.
Captain Tess Bailey and her crew, escapees from an horrendous prison are committed to righting wrongs against a harsh and intractable dictator, the conquering Overlord. With the opening sequence, Tess and crew find themselves in an unwinnable situation. And this is just the beginning!
Tess' soliloquies on the place of novels in this totalitarian world are a window into Bouchet's soul.
“Because novels stir feelings, wishes, and the heart,” [Tess] said. “Not all ideas and thoughts need to be proven, or even can be, and the Overseer is only interested in—no, only allows—what can be measured and quantified and put in a neat little box.”
And again Tess' (Bouchet's) magical thoughts on "kindred spirits".
"For some reason, it made [Tess] think of a huge web connecting everyone who fought the oppressive regime in whatever way they could, big or small. The image morphed into stars, bright spots of hope and courage winking all over the Dark—one giant constellation, spread out, but strong. Stronger than the Overseer thought."
I'm in love with the enticing Shade Ganavan (drool!) who manages to both complicate and simplify his and Tess' situation. Shade himself is pulled between his own long term plans and his unexpected feelings for Tess. The chemistry between them goes nova!
I'll also be fascinated to find out what the Big Guy's story is and where other characters will develop. Ahh! So many questions that only future parts of the series will reveal. I can hardly wait!

 A NetGalley ARC

*****

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