Queen of Dust

Dare’s steamy but uneven debut, a sci-fi romance, follows the tumultuous bond between Mara Leanor, the last surviving Balti temptress, and her reluctant bodyguard. When Mara returns to her home planet, Balti, after years away, she finds it in the grips of the militaristic Dern empire and the lush land devastated by ongoing war. Her hatred for the Dern is strong, and it becomes even stronger when the Dern leadership assigns a Dern officer, Calvy D’Aldiern, to see to her needs during her visit home. He’s there to protect her—and also to be used for her pleasure. Cal is determined to climb the ranks. He’s efficient and does what he’s told, but protecting Mara proves a difficult task, especially when she makes a habit of visiting his bedchambers for no-strings-attached sex. In the height of raging conflict between the Dern and the Balti, Mara and Calvy’s connection grows stronger each night they spend together, calling both of their loyalties into question. Though Dare’s snappy prose keeps the pages turning, the development of the romantic relationship leaves something to be desired. Their intense physical connection is well established, but the emotional side of things goes underdeveloped. The sci-fi backdrop is similarly underexplored. Despite high stakes, this is underwhelming. Agent: Elaine Spencer, Knight Agency. (Jan.)