Review of Lady Silver
Posted: 29 Dec 2021, 18:57
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lady Silver" by Bobbie R. Byrd.]
Emperor Ahlaric dominates over the inhabitants of the known galaxy. Under his oppressive rule, humans are elevated in status while warlocks are enslaved. Mandated to wear magic-blocking collars, warlocks are stripped of their birthright to access the Flow—the source of the universe. The emperor’s ruthless Admiral Bastion enforces the law by executing offenders without question. His merciless reputation and loathing of warlocks precede him. In an act of rebellion, Bryanna D’Isaac and her autonomous android challenge the admiral's command.
Unbeknownst to the emperor, Bastion decides to keep Bryanna and her power a secret. But, how long can he hide a silver-aura warlock? Already, her connection to the Flow is felt by warlocks throughout the realm. What will be Bryanna’s fate with this heartless admiral?
Lady Silver is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, engulfed in a slow-building romance. Bobbie R. Byrd’s first installment of the Warlock Chronicles series is teeming with corruption, powerplays and murderous schemes.
The characters are artfully constructed and a strong positive aspect of this book. Byrd spices her concoction by creating the right type of players; the sanctimonious Alpha-Transcendent, a pampered leader, and a council of hungry politicians. All of them vying for control over Bryanna. Some characters had no shame, and the backstabbing drama felt like an episode of Succession. I never knew who would surprise me next. Thankfully, the protagonists provide a welcomed balance yet enhance the deceitfulness of the antagonists.
However, my ultimate favorite is Emperor Ahlaric—I know, I don’t go for the obvious ones. His role as a flighty monarch played out like a Broadway theater. He always made a grand entrance with his pouts and pains. Not to downplay the other cast members, but the emperor’s “drama queen” rants were hilarious.
Another positive aspect is the plot which never slows its pace; for instance, the romance between Bastion and Bryanna simmers without losing steam. There are other worthy mentions, such as the attention to detail and the command of sci-fi lingo. In particular, Byrd is selective with her descriptions and keeps them from being overwhelming—something I find to be a problem with many books of this genre. Anyone worried about this issue can rest easy that it is not the case in this book.
I disliked nothing about Lady Silver and found no negative aspects. Therefore, I rate it a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. There were a few minor errors, so I believe that this book is professionally edited. I feel encouraged to seek out the next book in the series, if only to track Bastion's and Bryanna's fling. Moreover, the author’s passion for writing truly shines—her science teaching experience (and freelance writing) has paid off.
I highly recommend it to readers shy about this genre: The scientific elements are easily understandable. Fantasy readers will find another addictive romance that is original and flirtatious. Also, I recommend it to enthusiasts of otherworldly stories, such as The Mandalorian. There is profanity, drug use, violence and some sexual content; therefore, I do not recommend it to sensitive audiences who take issues with these topics.
******
Lady Silver
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Emperor Ahlaric dominates over the inhabitants of the known galaxy. Under his oppressive rule, humans are elevated in status while warlocks are enslaved. Mandated to wear magic-blocking collars, warlocks are stripped of their birthright to access the Flow—the source of the universe. The emperor’s ruthless Admiral Bastion enforces the law by executing offenders without question. His merciless reputation and loathing of warlocks precede him. In an act of rebellion, Bryanna D’Isaac and her autonomous android challenge the admiral's command.
Unbeknownst to the emperor, Bastion decides to keep Bryanna and her power a secret. But, how long can he hide a silver-aura warlock? Already, her connection to the Flow is felt by warlocks throughout the realm. What will be Bryanna’s fate with this heartless admiral?
Lady Silver is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, engulfed in a slow-building romance. Bobbie R. Byrd’s first installment of the Warlock Chronicles series is teeming with corruption, powerplays and murderous schemes.
The characters are artfully constructed and a strong positive aspect of this book. Byrd spices her concoction by creating the right type of players; the sanctimonious Alpha-Transcendent, a pampered leader, and a council of hungry politicians. All of them vying for control over Bryanna. Some characters had no shame, and the backstabbing drama felt like an episode of Succession. I never knew who would surprise me next. Thankfully, the protagonists provide a welcomed balance yet enhance the deceitfulness of the antagonists.
However, my ultimate favorite is Emperor Ahlaric—I know, I don’t go for the obvious ones. His role as a flighty monarch played out like a Broadway theater. He always made a grand entrance with his pouts and pains. Not to downplay the other cast members, but the emperor’s “drama queen” rants were hilarious.
Another positive aspect is the plot which never slows its pace; for instance, the romance between Bastion and Bryanna simmers without losing steam. There are other worthy mentions, such as the attention to detail and the command of sci-fi lingo. In particular, Byrd is selective with her descriptions and keeps them from being overwhelming—something I find to be a problem with many books of this genre. Anyone worried about this issue can rest easy that it is not the case in this book.
I disliked nothing about Lady Silver and found no negative aspects. Therefore, I rate it a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. There were a few minor errors, so I believe that this book is professionally edited. I feel encouraged to seek out the next book in the series, if only to track Bastion's and Bryanna's fling. Moreover, the author’s passion for writing truly shines—her science teaching experience (and freelance writing) has paid off.
I highly recommend it to readers shy about this genre: The scientific elements are easily understandable. Fantasy readers will find another addictive romance that is original and flirtatious. Also, I recommend it to enthusiasts of otherworldly stories, such as The Mandalorian. There is profanity, drug use, violence and some sexual content; therefore, I do not recommend it to sensitive audiences who take issues with these topics.
******
Lady Silver
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords