STARGAZER

Author: Colby Hodge ISBN: 0505526271 4/2005 FUTURISTIC Publisher: DORCHESTER/Love Spell

"Do Not Revive Without Authorization" Those were the words stamped on the cyro tube holding the prisoner. Gazing in fascination at the bulging muscles of his arms, Lilly wondered if the heavy cables binding his wrists and ankles would be enough to hold him when he awoke from his enforced sleep. Nor was she reassured by the crime committed by her fellow passenger: murder. Or his sentence: life, in the deepest hole the Legion could find. Yet even sensing the rage and frustration within him, she tied her fate to his when their ship was attacked. Chased by Ravigans across the universe, she had no choice but to put her trust in Phoenix. But how was he able to penetrate her mind, filling it with teasing suggestions and hotly sensual images, when that talent had always belonged exclusively to the generations of grey-eyed women in her line? Was the devil with the silver gaze the key to saving her beloved garden planet of Oasis or just a common criminal out to take for himself whatever he could get his hands on?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Here we go again with my cover or book jacket problem. Truly, I had hoped that I read enough fabulous stories, despite my immediate aversion to their covers, that I would not let bad, or cheesy covers effect my decision on whether or not to read the book. Alas, I am not as strong as I thought, because this delicious story would have sailed right by me if, as a reviewer, I didn't have to read a book I would normally pass by in a bookstore.

I fully admit that there are a million covers much worse than Stargazer, and the story inside is well worth your time. It's filled with intrigue, passion, deception, unbalanced witches and corrupt leaders, surprises, and of course, romance. Did I
mention good writing as well? Yep, its got that too. As a matter of fact, I was up until the wee hours trying to finish it up, knowing I needed to go to sleep yet unwilling to relinquish the hold the book had on me. It is as close to a perfect futuristic romance, or any romance, that I have read lately.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I am sure someone will think the soft glow illuminating the model on the front is cool. I am also sure that someone will read the back of the jacket and believe it to be a Vin Diesel action movie rip-off and therefore dismiss it. I sure hope that last statement doesn't happen, because the story is so much better than anything I have seen Vin Diesel in, despite his hotness. The cover does not do this book justice, so please, get past it and enjoy the great writing and unique story inside.

Shannon Johnson