TITLE: Emerald Twilight—Serial, part one Burke Conlan is a Drifter, a man who will do almost anything for the right price. However, when a high official wants him to give the false testimony that will rid the man of his unwanted wife, Burke balks. Threats to his young daughter finally convince him he must do as he is asked. The pay offered is substantial and the official assures Burke he will not be punished for allegedly committing adultery with the woman although it is a crime. Betrayed and imprisoned for crimes she did not commit, Hallie has even been abandoned by her family, although the desert people are fierce in their loyalties. Now there is only one man she can turn to, the one whose false testimony put her in the Zebulan prison from which it is rumored no one escapes alive. Can she trust Burke, in spite of everything? Although Burke is not altogether admirable, he comes across as a sympathetic character. Hallie is noble and wronged, stronger than anyone might think. Together, perhaps they can accomplish the miracles that will be required to reach their happy ending. The author knows how to draw a reader in, bond her to the protagonists, make her care and share their troubles. She knows how to build an exotic world and make it real, but it is her characters, flawed yet powerful, that hold her reader captive. I can only say “Wow.” I am definitely hooked. When I reached the cliff-hanger ending, I almost swore in frustration. What happens next? My only complaint is the author chose to bypass what seemed to be a few key scenes in the plot. No doubt she had reasons for her decision, but I was jolted once or twice to leap ahead further than I expected in the next chapter. Still, Emerald Twilight promises to be a wonderful tale. I cannot wait to get hold of future installments. If this is typical fare from Inara, this new publisher definitely bears watching. |
|
 |
|
