Book Review: The Scarlet Empress

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Scarlet Empress     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Susan Grant
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Series: 2176 # 5
Love Spell, Dec 2004, $6.99

In 2006 Captain Bree “Banzai” Maguire and her wingman Cameron “Scarlet” Tucker fly a sortie over North Korean when both of their F-16 jets are shot down by surface to air missiles. A fanatical scientist apparently not associated with the North Korean government captures both American aviators. He injects the duo with some sort of experimental elixir (see THE LEGEND OF BANZAI MAGUIRE).

In 2176 Cam assumed dead along with Banzai awakens from her hundred-seventy years plus sleep. She learns that Banzai also survives and has been leading a freedom fighting revolt alongside a SEAL, but that her buddy is being held prisoner. She plans to rescue her pal, but needs help from her “host” Kingdom of Asia ruler Prince Kyber, who still burns over losing Banzai to SEAL Commander Tyler Armstrong and refuses to make the same mistake twice with Cam.

The 2176 tales have been one of the best science fiction romance series to come on the market in several years (to be honest cannot think of one that has been better). Each tale was terrific and the various authors (besides Susan Grant’s opening and closing act, Kathleen Nance, Liz Maverick, and Patti O’Shea) added to the legend while keeping the basic characteristics and motives of the prime players consistent throughout. The final book THE SCARLET EMPRESS wraps up the innovative twenty-second century action-packed tales with a triumphant finale. These five stars five books are must reading for sub-genre fans who appreciate strong futuristic Lara Craft-like competent females.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner