Book Review: Kinsman's Oath

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Kinsman's Oath     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Susan Krinard
Class/Genre:   Romance   Science Fiction
Berkley, May 2004, $6.99, 416 pp.

Two decades ago, war between humanity and the Shaauri broke out. Most of the Kinsmen, humans with telepathic abilities, supported the Shaauri against their own kind. Abductions were not uncommon and a young Ronan velKalevi was taken as a lad by the Shaauri during the early days of the conflict

Now Ronan tries to escape from his captivity. Blockade runner Captain Cynara D’Accorso of the Pegasus sees Ronan flee a Shaauri warship, but though her better judgment says to stay out of this potentially dangerous scenario, she rescues him. When she realizes he is telepathic she becomes concerned because many of those with that skill joined the enemy. Though extremely attracted to him, she wonders if he is a mole sent out to stop activities like hers. Ronan, unused to human contact finds himself in love with his rescuer, but is not sure how to prove he wants to be on her side.

Returning to the “Kinsman” universe that she first described in an OUT OF THIS WORLD novella, Susan Krinard furbishes science fiction romance readers with a wonderful tale of a future in space marred by armed conflict. The delightful story line hooks readers of both genres with its descriptive insight into a galaxy under siege while also providing two wonderful characters wondering whether they should be loving partners or disillusioned antagonists. Fans of the author will appreciate this fine futuristic adventure tale though there is not a werewolf within a zillion light-years of this novel.

Harriet Klausner

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