Although the book's goofy cover art screams "D-grade syndicated sitcom," fans of Grant's action-packed interstellar romances (The Scarlet Empress
, etc.) would do well to remember the old adage that you can't judge a book by its cover. Fueled by suspense and a sweet, playful romance between state senator Jana Jasper and Cavin Far Star, a human soldier from a distant planet, this colorful tale defies categorization. It starts out tender and whimsical, with hero and heroine connecting as children during Cavin's brief visit to Earth. Then, after the two meet up 20 years later, the story takes a decidedly Terminator
-like turn, as the couple find themselves on the run from a bioengineered assassin and on a mission to save Earth from alien invasion—all while keeping Jana's political reputation squeaky clean. The story runs short on energy midway, bogged down by a transparent subplot involving a group intent on ruining Jana's political career. But once the race to save the planet starts up again, readers will rocket through to the book's pat but satisfying conclusion. (Aug.)
