Review: Assassin

Assassin by Cyndi Friberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Terraforming on an uninhabited planet for war weary warriors sounds like a little piece of heaven. Looking forward to peace, it is a surprise to Outcasts warriors when they encounter the indigenous planet's original owners, the Sarronti. For those picking up this 4th book in the series, it is easy to dive into this world as a standalone. Ms. Friberg does a nice job of recapping highlights from previous books to provide a baseline and point of reference. Essentially, the Outcast group of males are considered invaders. The Sarronti are Fae-like creatures who want the invaders to leave. At least, at first glance it seems this simplistic. Instead, it is a bit more complicated as the reader learns more about each group.

This space opera is fun because there are no right or wrong factions. Instead there are competing factions with opposing views that make sense from their own perspective. The Sarronti are justified in their desire to be isolated and repelling alien forces. The Outcasts came to this planet in good faith because they were told it was for them to populate. Surely there must be a way for the two races to work together. This book is a pivotal one as one Sarronti female turns sides by befriending the outlier, Torrin. Torrin is even more outcast than the rest of his group due to things done to his body without consent. He and Arrista, the Sarronti female, bond over this common experience.

Switching between their point of view helps a reader see the struggle as two groups of people who know little about each other, seek to understand the other. The additional of telepathic feline animals only enhances this story. Who doesn't like big kitties that can fight like Battle Cat on a childhood favourite cartoon, He-man? The interacts between Arrista and Torrin are purposely awkward as they are strangers from completely different cultures. As they start to learn about each other, common ground is found. Their mutual attraction is sweet as they fumble with their foreplay. As they become more comfortable, the sexual interludes do heat up.

What I enjoyed about this story is the pace and the set up for the two groups to come to a head. My guess is in the next book, there will be more intrigue as leaders of each group works towards peace. Just as rebel factions strive to undermine and sabotage all friendly intentions. This space opera is recommended to paranormal readers who like disenchanted warriors finding their soulmates.

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