Series: Chilling Effect #2
Published by HarperCollins on September 8, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Action & Adventure
Pages: 448
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
The lovably flawed crew of La Sirena Negra and their psychic cats return in this fast-paced and outrageously fun science-fiction novel, in which they confront past failures and face new threats in the far reaches of space from the author of the critically acclaimed Chilling Effect.
Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra find themselves once again on the fringe of populated space—and at the center of a raging covert war. When Eva’s sister asks for help locating a missing scientist, promises of a big paycheck and a noble cause convince Eva to take the job despite lingering trust issues.
With reluctant assistance from her estranged mother, Eva and her crew follow the missing scientist’s trail across the universe, from the costume-filled halls of a never-ending convention to a dangerous bot-fighting arena. They ultimately find themselves at the last place Eva wants to see again—Garilia—where she experienced her most shameful and haunting failure.
To complete her mission and get paid, Eva must navigate a paradise embroiled in a rebellion, where massive forests and pristine beaches hide psychic creatures and pervasive surveillance technology. Can she find her quarry while avoiding the oppressive local regime, or will she be doomed to repeat past mistakes when her dark deeds come to light?
Fair warning: This review may have some mild spoilers for book one so… read at your own risk. Or better yet, read book one and then come back.
Valarie Valdez has given reader the tongue-in-cheek space opera series we didn’t know we needed and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Funny, thought-provoking, and all the geeky nods and references that I could hope for. Readers are treated to hints of favorites like Mass Effect, Firefly, Gundam, Pokemon, Cowboy Bebop, and no doubt more that I didn’t catch on the first read through.
Quick paced and filled with action and dry humor, Prime Deceptions felt much smoother. Partly owed to already being familiar with the crew, but it also felt like the author not only knew her characters but also found a way to share that with readers. I love that we have the chance to see the impressive range of Eva’s personality. Strong, a bit haunted, and incredibly funny, Captain Innocente is a force to be reckoned with. Both romances were adorable and a fun little aside from the main plot. Each member of the crew is vibrant and so easy to love and root for! I could happily read this series over and over again.
My favorite part? This had all the psychic cats I was missing in Chilling Effect! Mala was a great sidekick serving up plenty of typical feline antics while Eva’s begrudging acceptance of her tagging along is a battle we all knew Mala would win.
Clearly, I adored this book and I am desperately awaiting the next installment. It didn’t necessarily end with a cliff hanger but that was one hell of a carrot dangling that had me wishing I could immediately dive into the next! Absolutely recommend! More exclamation points!!!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
