Devarian Uprising

Guardian Captain Soleyla Devarian’s path was set in Devarian Exile. Having come to the realization that men should not be enslaved she has made it her mission to wage war with the same system and matriarchal society in which she had once been a part. Now she is preparing to take on the Nine-Star League in a battle for the planet Antorros.

With an undisciplined army of a couple of hundred Antoreans and their fierce leader Rolen at her command, the possibility of victory is slim. The acceptance by the proud male to an audacious and dangerous plan is their only real chance.

The situation is further complicated by a misunderstanding with Kantou, the man and pleasure slave that inspired her revolt against societal norms. With all of her energy and focus on the upcoming battle, Soleyla has little idea that her love is being questioned. Kantou’s despair leads to sexual betrayal of his Mistress. Both lovers suffer a wounded heart and now there is painfully little time left for healing.

In the second story to the Devarian series, Ms Dafoe continues to impress with her ability to write scorching yet moving sexual encounters. Rolen’s anger and his wish to comfort, Kantou’s yearning and reverence and Soleyla’s possessiveness all shine through in the relevant scenes.

It is also with deft hand that Kantou and Soleyla’s relationship is depicted. The former slave’s insecurities believing that he had lost the heroine’s regard and the rogue Guardian’s focus solely on the upcoming battle will give readers a twist on the familiar. That striking sense of role reversal was written extremely convincingly.

When the characters have worked through the complications in their relationships the battle is at hand. The details of the plan of attack may make one blink but is in perfect keeping to the storyline and rather ingenious. Fans of action scenes will be impressed with the written choreography presented in the actual battle. It is truly gripping and will have several people biting their nails to the quick.

Many will be on tenterhooks to get their hands on the final book to this fabulous series. This reviewer will happily stand in that queue…and it is sure to be a long one.

August 2006