#captain finn

This book is really wonderful, I couldn't let it aside before ending it... for a few nights, even my sleep couldn't win against this story.

The plot is really good, the rythm increasing at each chapter and the suspense well protected with a great switch at the end. I suspected things were not as simple at it seemed at the beginning but I didn't have all the solution and for once, that was a real pleasure to be surprised!

The worlds are well described even if I would have love to know a little more about the genesis of this coalition of planets; maybe we will have a glimpse of it on the others books. In the same idea, I can't wait to know how Renna succeeded to steal the Saphire!

I really appreciated the different races of the characters and the description made of them; it was as if I could see them and it was really great to imagine how handsome Viktis is; it's help to understand why Renna seems to have difficulties to control her sensations towards him or even more how she can't resist to the incredibly attractive Finn.

Now, I'm afraid there will be a lot of spoilers so if you don't have read the book for now, please, don't read anymore.

What I really enjoyed the most is the relationship between Renna and the others characters.

Renna-Myka: this is the most touching relation of the book I think; I loved how Renna who always had been alone - except for the little time she had with Blur, Finn and the Gang when she was sixteen - has to deal with this little boy so afraid and hurt. Without knowing it, she comes to love him, to care for him, to worry about him; she feels again and this feeling is the most pure ever because it's a maternal one, the kind of which helps you to bear anything and everything only to be sure the kid you love is safe and sound. The boy ties himself to her practically instantly and trusts her wholeheartly, helping her to believe she worths more than what she thought.

Myka looked up at her with big,dark eyes, and Renna's heart twisted. For some reason, this kid trusted her. Nobody ever trusted a thief. She couldn't betray him after everything that happened. (page 38)

"You came," the boy whispered, staring up at her like she was some kind of hero. "I told him you would. You promised." (page 328)

The author gives a real touch of tenderness in this relationship. How I appreciated Renna's reaction when she discovers about Myka's real nature; she loves him for him and doesn't care for what he appears but for what he IS.

Renna was not going to fail him. Not now, when he'd already been through so much. She blinked. What had all this maternal concern come from? (page 135)

Renna-Keva: A difficult relationship at the beginning between two women on two complete opposite sides but loving the same man and pushed to work together to save the world. With time, they learn to respect each other if not like and I really hope her relationship will become some sort of "friendship" even if it is an awkward one.

Renna-Gheewala: Renna understands Gheewala and the reserve she shows with everybody because of her special skills. She is one of the few Tech empath who succeeds to survive to the terrible consequences of her ability. Their relationship is made from respect and understanding, each other trying to help and encourage the other. I find it really sweet.

Gheewala watched her with wide eyes as Renna approached her station. " You have an electronic signature," the woman said. "Lucky me." Renna grimaced. "At least you'll always know how to find me if I'm close." "I'm so sorry." Gheewala stared down at her computer. "I wish there was something I could say." "Hey, don't worry about it. It's thanks to you we made it this far. Make sure the rest of the crew know it." She squeezed the woman's shoulder and moved on. (page 369)

Renna-Viktis: This relationship is really the most difficult to explain; they are friends, friends-with-benefits, partners, foes... I think they are really tied one to another but not really in sentimental way but only because Renna never let her protective shield down - in part because of her fear to be left alone again, in part because Viktis tried to kill her when the reward was interresting  but mostly because she never get ride of her so strong attachment to Hunter/Finn.

"So am I to assume he's the new fling of the week?" "Viktis..." "Don't worry. I promise I won't try to kill you this time. I'm more than over you." Renna shook her head. "You never loved me, Viktis." He smiled sadly, his violet eyes almost going soft. "You never let me." (page 319)

I love the fact that there is not a real love triangle in this story. Viktis and Renna are really close but I couldn't imagine Renna let down Finn for Viktis and I really hope it will not because it would be too like others stories when you finish by being really annoying by the heroine not knowing who to choose. I really enjoy this fake love triangle because I love how Viktis likes to tease Finn, enjoying how jealous the other man can be and how Renna tries to make them act as adult around her.

To Viktis, he turned and said, "You're like a bad disease  that just keeps showing up." Viktis grinned. "And you'd know  all about bad diseases, Captain?  I hope you were tested before you slept with our girl here." Dear gods, would the man ever grow up? (page 304)

I really hope we will have more of Renna-Viktis interaction in the others books because there is so much possibility to work on with them but I can help but beg there will be no real loving relation between them except for the real friendship with sentiments (sorry, in French we call it "amitié amoureuse" but I can't find the real words in English... you know the kind of deep feelings and attraction you can feel for a friend while knowing you could never love him enough to be your husband or your wife.) they already have - without the "benefits" side. I love how they tease each other but in the main time how they soothe each other sometimes and how they support and protect the other.

"Viktis and I have an understanding. When he's not trying to kill me or sleep with me, he's a decent guy. I think he can help us with this." (page 286)

"Where should I put my stuff? Am I bunking with you, Renna, love?" "Hell no. Keva vill find you a place to stay." (page 308)

Finn-Viktis: The two together are really great even if they can't bear each other. In fact, I think Finn can't support Viktis because he believes Renna slept with him to free the crew and his jealousy blinds him even if he has to admit Viktis is here to help them when needed. In the other side, Viktis seems to like Finn for his courage and the love Renna shows him even if he likes nothing more than teasing him and infurating him. I look forward to see them work together in the next book, hoping they will not destroy each other but really act like a team to protect Myka and find a way to save Renna.

Finn shook his head and strode past toward the CIC. "He can stay. But one Ileth toe out of line and he goes in the brig." "Damn, Renna. This guy is a gem." Viktis frowned at her as they followed Finn through the ship. "I can see why you choose him over me." "Renna slanted him a look. "Enough. We barely made it out of there in one piece. We don't have time to ice your injured pride right now." (pages 304-305)

Plus, Viktis depicted everything Finn ran from and what he never wants to become again so being around the merc is something the space marine can't bear easily.

"I promised myself I'd never go back to that life, Renna. And here I am about to turn traitor." (page 379)

Renna-Finn: Their relation is obviously the only real sentimental one and I quite like it! I love how the author makes them know each other for several years and how Renna never gets ride of Hunter for so many years. I enjoyed so much how Finn's react when he meets her again, all his anger for what he thought she did taking the best of him, infuriating him to no point. Proof that he already deeply loved her when she was sixteen even if he never dared to tell it, Blur lying to him by assuring Renna and him were together.

"You are my problem. Have been from day one. I don't want you on my ship, on my team, or in my life." (page 183)

The way the author describes Renna's feelings for Finn is enjoyable, in a very sensual poetic way. And how strong her attachment to him grows is beautiful melting my heart and giving me desire to feel such amazing sensations.

But there' been something about his kind eyes and the lopsided smile he'd used with her that had already had her falling in love with him. (page 65)

She met his expressionless gaze, ignoring the twist of lust in her gut. It was just residual, left over from a childish crush. (page 66)

She hated that she recognized his scent. Hated even more that it made something warm and safe curl through her. (page 184)

Their relation is made of passion, of courage, of respect and of humor and I really like this aspect because it lights a little the tension they always feel when they are together.

He rubbed a hand over his face before looking at her, and she noticed how tired his blue eyes looked. "Can you? Forgive me, I mean?" She shrugged. "I haven't shot you yet. That's always a good sign." (page 196)

"Don't go falling for any sexy mercenaries while I'm gone, or I'll have to track you down." "Well, if that's all it'll take..." He smiled sadly. (page 379)

The author created a lovely and sweet moment after they escaped the complexe. Finn is injuried and Renna explains how she had her terrible scar on her neck while waiting for the Athena to save them. He is the only one she trusts enough to talk about her past and all the while, he holds her hand, squeezing it sometimes to give her courage and remind her he's with her. My eyes burned with tears while I read this moment because you can feel their love and connection. When they are together, they feel like home and can finally trust someone and be really them and that's notion to be really seen by the other is quite important in this book where everybody always wear a mask. They crave to be know for who they really are but most of the time their fear to be betrayed is their deeper and strongest emotion... except when Renna and Finn are together.

His gaze never wavered, and she felt itchy and uncomfortable, like he was truly seeing her.

But if this was the end of the Renna as she had been, she wanted someone to have seen her. (page 365)

In each other's arm, they can be them, the ex merc became a space marine and the lonely star thief who finds again her heart and becomes a loving woman strong enough to recognize her love for Myka, her deep friendship for Viktis and how she can't live without Finn.

I think I will end this review here or you will never see the end of it. All I can add is:

 "Thank you so much Jamie Grey for the great story you gave us! Thanks for all those marvelous hours I could share with your characters, in the amazing world you created. I look forward to read the second book in summer 2014! Believe me, I will buy it as soon it will be released, I promise!"

Quotes:

Finn followed close behind. His presence felt warm, like sunshine on her back. When she was younger, she'd gotten really good at knowing when he was close. That skill had come back faster than she'd expected. Old habits died hard. (page 207)

She knew better than to get involved or let her feelings get in the way, but this mission - with Myka, the facility, the mechs and the clay - was based on nothing but feelings. Running was her only option. Promises be damned. (page 246)

Running made her a coward, but staying... staying made her stupid. (page 249)

Finn was going to be fine. But as the fear drained away, the tsunami of relief was even more unsettling. She cared what happened to him. Too much. (page 265)

Renna rose to her feet. She couldn't afford to get involved with a man like Finn. He stood for everything she'd fought against: law, order, blindly following the rules. But instead of leaving the hospital, her feet took her into Finn's room. (page 266)

"I've missed you," Finn whispered against her hair. Something warm and sweet twisted its way through her heart. "I missed you, too. I'm so glad you're not dead." (page 291)

She forced a stern look to her face. "For now. But I can't wait for shore leave. You still owe me some more convincing."

He traced a finger across her jaw. "I promise." (page 315)

She let out a sigh and let the image fade. She needed to focus, to get this job done no matter what. The kid was counting on her. The universe was counting on her. No pressure. (page 318)

"But if you're with me, I'll be fine." He slipped his hand into Renna's, and her heart twisted. (page 368)

Myka shrugged. "I'm not worried. When I'm bigger, I'll protect all of you."

"I bet you will. Now get some rest. We should be at your uncle's lab soon." (page 369)

He pulled her into a hug, and she inhaled his familiar scent of cedar and starfuel. "I figure I owe you one after trying to kill you. I'll keep your men safe."

She grinned at him. "I'm going to hold you to that. You know you're included, right?"

"I was hoping. Maybe I have a chance after all." He winked and squeezed her hand. (page 379)

She smiled up at him. "And don't kill the pirate. We need him." (page 379)