What do you think?
Rate this book
Games of Command
The universe isn’t what it used to be.
With the new Alliance between the Triad and the United Coalition, Captain Tasha “Sass” Sebastian finds herself serving under her former nemesis, biocybe Admiral Branden Kel-Paten—and doing her best to hide a deadly past. But when an injured mercenary winds up in their ship’s sick bay—and in the hands of her best friend, Dr. Eden Fynn–Sass’s efforts may be wasted.
Wanted rebel Jace Serafino has information that could expose all of Sass’s secrets, tear the fragile Alliance apart—and end Sass’s career if Kel-Paten discovers them. But the biocybe has something to hide as well, something once thought impossible for his kind to feelings . . . for Sass. Soon it’s clear that their prisoner could bring down everything they once believed was worth dying for—and everything they now have to live for.
With the new Alliance between the Triad and the United Coalition, Captain Tasha “Sass” Sebastian finds herself serving under her former nemesis, biocybe Admiral Branden Kel-Paten—and doing her best to hide a deadly past. But when an injured mercenary winds up in their ship’s sick bay—and in the hands of her best friend, Dr. Eden Fynn–Sass’s efforts may be wasted.
Wanted rebel Jace Serafino has information that could expose all of Sass’s secrets, tear the fragile Alliance apart—and end Sass’s career if Kel-Paten discovers them. But the biocybe has something to hide as well, something once thought impossible for his kind to feelings . . . for Sass. Soon it’s clear that their prisoner could bring down everything they once believed was worth dying for—and everything they now have to live for.
525 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 28, 2002
64 people are currently reading
2532 people want to read
About the author
Linnea Sinclair
24 books697 followersWinner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA, science fiction romance author Linnea Sinclair has become a name synonymous for high-action, emotionally intense, character-driven novels. Reviewers note that Sinclair’s novels “have the wow-factor in spades,” earning her accolades from both the science fiction and romance communities. Sinclair’s current release is HOPE'S FOLLY and, scheduled for 2010 from Bantam Dell, REBELS AND LOVERS, book #4 in the Dock Five Universe. A former news reporter and retired private detective, Sinclair resides in Naples, Florida (winter) and Columbus, Ohio (summer) with her husband, Robert Bernadino, and their thoroughly spoiled cats. Readers can find her perched on the third barstool from the left in her Intergalactic Bar and Grille at www.linneasinclair.com .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
February 18, 2015
Reading this book, I kept on saying, sometimes out-loud, "haha whut." The entire thing is really so ludicrously over the top, and the main conflict feels like something that might have come from a Saturday morning cartoon produced in the eighties. I enjoyed it a lot, when I wasn't writhing in sympathetic embarrassment at the display of authorial id.
Captain Tasha 'Sass' Sebastian is serving under (not like that!) Admiral Brendon Kel-Paten. Their respective empires were once at war, but are now allied, which causes a certain amount of stress for Sass, especially since she has successfully concealed, 'till now, her former career as a smuggler and spy. Brenden, however, is doing what he's been doing for the last twelve years: Writing soppy love letters he will never send to the woman who captured his heart when she met him in battle, Tasha Sebastian.
Yes. I know. And I haven't even told you about Did I mention Brendon is frightened of letting Sass know his feelings because he fears she could never love him, since he's a cyborg?
However, what this book does have loads of yearning, which I am a sucker for.
Apparently this book won some sort of 'RITA award' which tells me that the only thing lacking for me to become a RITA award-winning author is the discipline to write five-hundred pages.
Captain Tasha 'Sass' Sebastian is serving under (not like that!) Admiral Brendon Kel-Paten. Their respective empires were once at war, but are now allied, which causes a certain amount of stress for Sass, especially since she has successfully concealed, 'till now, her former career as a smuggler and spy. Brenden, however, is doing what he's been doing for the last twelve years: Writing soppy love letters he will never send to the woman who captured his heart when she met him in battle, Tasha Sebastian.
Yes. I know. And I haven't even told you about Did I mention Brendon is frightened of letting Sass know his feelings because he fears she could never love him, since he's a cyborg?
However, what this book does have loads of yearning, which I am a sucker for.
Apparently this book won some sort of 'RITA award' which tells me that the only thing lacking for me to become a RITA award-winning author is the discipline to write five-hundred pages.
October 24, 2015
This was the fourth space opera that I have read by Linnea Sinclair. She is known by her fans for following a formula in most, if not all, of her books: alpha male, strong smart heroine and at least part of the setting is held in space. Like in most sci-fi stories there is a familiar jargon unique to the plot that the reader must learn. Tel-Tal, biocybe, U-Cee, Psy-Serv, Novalis, characters with the last name of Kel-_, Galaxus, Definator and so on. And it took me roughly a third of the story to become comfortable with all of this space lingo.
GAMES OF COMMAND was first and foremost an action adventure with a side of suspense and two moderate romances. The primary characters, Admiral Branden Kel-Paten and Captain Tasha Sebastian AKA Lady Sass, are old enemies from the days before the Triad formed a peace agreement. The title refers to the competition and one-upmanship between these two soldiers. Their 'love story' takes a long time to come into play. Poor Kel-Paten.
At the same time Chief Medical Officer and empath Eden Fynn forms an alliance with renegade soldier and captive Jace Serafino. Who was also telepathic and had a dual personality. What a guy!
Oh, and did I mention that Kel-Paten was humanoid but primarily made from cybernetic parts? Referred to as the Tin Soldier, he had pined for Tasha for years without her being aware of his true feelings. His 'innocence' and a damaged past formed his personality. He lacked the social skills that others were taught in childhood. He was expected to perform as an effective machine. Reading about Kel-Paten was the reason I finished this book.
Then there were the kitty-like 'furzels', Tank and Reilly, whom refer to Tasha and Eden as their mothers. Protection was imperative. And lurking in the background was something invisible and nasty.
My problem, as with all of Ms. Sinclair's stories, was the length. GAMES OF COMMAND is 525 pages and honestly, I thought the gist of the plot could be delivered in under 350. It was just way too long. Then I found out that "the characters and some scenes in this novel were originally part of the book COMMAND PERFORMANCE and several short stories that were part of the Alliance Command series". So I am going to put the blame on the editor of her publishing firm. If they did a better job, I would have rated it higher.
GAMES OF COMMAND was first and foremost an action adventure with a side of suspense and two moderate romances. The primary characters, Admiral Branden Kel-Paten and Captain Tasha Sebastian AKA Lady Sass, are old enemies from the days before the Triad formed a peace agreement. The title refers to the competition and one-upmanship between these two soldiers. Their 'love story' takes a long time to come into play. Poor Kel-Paten.
At the same time Chief Medical Officer and empath Eden Fynn forms an alliance with renegade soldier and captive Jace Serafino. Who was also telepathic and had a dual personality. What a guy!
Oh, and did I mention that Kel-Paten was humanoid but primarily made from cybernetic parts? Referred to as the Tin Soldier, he had pined for Tasha for years without her being aware of his true feelings. His 'innocence' and a damaged past formed his personality. He lacked the social skills that others were taught in childhood. He was expected to perform as an effective machine. Reading about Kel-Paten was the reason I finished this book.
Then there were the kitty-like 'furzels', Tank and Reilly, whom refer to Tasha and Eden as their mothers. Protection was imperative. And lurking in the background was something invisible and nasty.
My problem, as with all of Ms. Sinclair's stories, was the length. GAMES OF COMMAND is 525 pages and honestly, I thought the gist of the plot could be delivered in under 350. It was just way too long. Then I found out that "the characters and some scenes in this novel were originally part of the book COMMAND PERFORMANCE and several short stories that were part of the Alliance Command series". So I am going to put the blame on the editor of her publishing firm. If they did a better job, I would have rated it higher.
June 28, 2016
++Spoilers+++
Let me start by saying that I am very impressed with the detail of the technology and piloting described in this story. It boggles my mind how the author came up with such amazing science. The world building was also pretty good, but a little more description would have been nice, but not necessary. I personally enjoy the freedom of using my own imagination.
What I liked best is the balance between romance and plot. To me it was a perfect recipe. Not too much of either.
Let me start by saying that this story has two romances going on between two pairs of couples ...(Kel-Paten AKA Tin Solider/Branden & Tasha aka/Sass/Sebatian
and
Jace Serafino & Eden Fynn).
At first I was confused as to which couple was the "main" couple of the book. I had assumed it was between Tasha & Kel-Paten (and it was). The cause of my confusion was due to the abrupt switch over to the secondary characters relationship (Jace & Eden). I felt it happened too soon in the book, overshadowing the MC's (Sebastian & Kel) romance for awhile. Thank goodness it wasn't for long. Happily it reverted back to Sebastian and Kel's story after a chapter or two.
This story is way too complex to summarize so I will try to just mention points of interest. This may come off as a bit scatterbrained but I truly cannot figure out how to write this review.
Kel-Paten & Tasha - Kel-Paten (aka the Tin Solider/Branden) is a biocybe. A human with bionic parts. Tasha is human. He has been in love with her for 12 years. He is a virgin. Tasha is a skilled Captain and former mercenary (this is a secret) who was known as Sass until the "Sass" identity was "killed." Now only Tasha remains.
Kel-Paten is a truly perfect hero IMHO. I felt so bad for him on so many levels. Human yet not, logical and emotionless yet not.
Tasha/Sebastian - She is an intelligent, strong leader. She is also loyal, fun, and independant.
Jace & Eden - They are both telepaths and can communicate with their minds. Both characters are "experienced", Jace being a rake and Eden was married before and is now divorced.
Jace - A telepath/rake. His past is only lightly touched upon with no details except that he's had lots of women. None of these women show up or are mentioned by name. He falls in love with Eden.
Eden- The ships doctor and empath. She finds out that her abilities extend into telepathy after meeting Jace. A total surprise to her.
Both couples are sweet together and both have HEA and ILY's, but Kel-Paten & Sebastian's are played out longer and the loving for them doesn't come until 80%. There are many sweet kissing scenes that lead up to it though. Jace and Eden share intimate momments but we never see them in the intimate way.
I personally really liked the story and all of the characters. I especially liked the use of the "furzels" which are cat like critters who are also telepathic and bond to their owners. They also play a VERY important role in the story and are not just used for a cuteness element.
What I felt was lacking is the back story of Kel-Paten. I wanted to know what happened to him that he needed to have bionic parts (arms & legs). We know it is from being in battles but we never get more then a slight mention of it. For such a fantastic main character, there should have been much more on him. This is the cause of my lowering a star.
I felt the pace was good. Steady. I never skimmed and finished this in little over a day (517 pages).
Would I recommend? Yes. Read more by this author Yes.
Safety
Heros Kel-Paten (Virgin) Jace -(Rake)
Heroine's - Both experienced
OW - No
--There is one mention of how Kel- Paten, while under the influence of a narcotic slipped in his drink while on leave, a prostitute lead him to a room. Once he had his shirt off and she saw he was a biocybe, she refused him her service with disgust on her face and said "no prostitute could be paid enough to sleep with him". He left humiliated and shamed.. but He didn't want to do it anyway. It was only the drug that made his control falter. ---
OM - Sass's ex shows up but she beats the hell out of him. She has no feelings for him and never did.
Insta love - Yes for both the hero's.... No for both the heroines
Violence- yes nothing bloody or gorey
Cursing- yes
Sex- Yes only for Kel-Paten & Sass ( a few nicely done)
Sorry for the shabby review, I'm just not up to par today
Let me start by saying that I am very impressed with the detail of the technology and piloting described in this story. It boggles my mind how the author came up with such amazing science. The world building was also pretty good, but a little more description would have been nice, but not necessary. I personally enjoy the freedom of using my own imagination.
What I liked best is the balance between romance and plot. To me it was a perfect recipe. Not too much of either.
Let me start by saying that this story has two romances going on between two pairs of couples ...(Kel-Paten AKA Tin Solider/Branden & Tasha aka/Sass/Sebatian
and
Jace Serafino & Eden Fynn).
At first I was confused as to which couple was the "main" couple of the book. I had assumed it was between Tasha & Kel-Paten (and it was). The cause of my confusion was due to the abrupt switch over to the secondary characters relationship (Jace & Eden). I felt it happened too soon in the book, overshadowing the MC's (Sebastian & Kel) romance for awhile. Thank goodness it wasn't for long. Happily it reverted back to Sebastian and Kel's story after a chapter or two.
This story is way too complex to summarize so I will try to just mention points of interest. This may come off as a bit scatterbrained but I truly cannot figure out how to write this review.
Kel-Paten & Tasha - Kel-Paten (aka the Tin Solider/Branden) is a biocybe. A human with bionic parts. Tasha is human. He has been in love with her for 12 years. He is a virgin. Tasha is a skilled Captain and former mercenary (this is a secret) who was known as Sass until the "Sass" identity was "killed." Now only Tasha remains.
Kel-Paten is a truly perfect hero IMHO. I felt so bad for him on so many levels. Human yet not, logical and emotionless yet not.
Tasha/Sebastian - She is an intelligent, strong leader. She is also loyal, fun, and independant.
Jace & Eden - They are both telepaths and can communicate with their minds. Both characters are "experienced", Jace being a rake and Eden was married before and is now divorced.
Jace - A telepath/rake. His past is only lightly touched upon with no details except that he's had lots of women. None of these women show up or are mentioned by name. He falls in love with Eden.
Eden- The ships doctor and empath. She finds out that her abilities extend into telepathy after meeting Jace. A total surprise to her.
Both couples are sweet together and both have HEA and ILY's, but Kel-Paten & Sebastian's are played out longer and the loving for them doesn't come until 80%. There are many sweet kissing scenes that lead up to it though. Jace and Eden share intimate momments but we never see them in the intimate way.
I personally really liked the story and all of the characters. I especially liked the use of the "furzels" which are cat like critters who are also telepathic and bond to their owners. They also play a VERY important role in the story and are not just used for a cuteness element.
What I felt was lacking is the back story of Kel-Paten. I wanted to know what happened to him that he needed to have bionic parts (arms & legs). We know it is from being in battles but we never get more then a slight mention of it. For such a fantastic main character, there should have been much more on him. This is the cause of my lowering a star.
I felt the pace was good. Steady. I never skimmed and finished this in little over a day (517 pages).
Would I recommend? Yes. Read more by this author Yes.
Safety
Heros Kel-Paten (Virgin) Jace -(Rake)
Heroine's - Both experienced
OW - No
--There is one mention of how Kel- Paten, while under the influence of a narcotic slipped in his drink while on leave, a prostitute lead him to a room. Once he had his shirt off and she saw he was a biocybe, she refused him her service with disgust on her face and said "no prostitute could be paid enough to sleep with him". He left humiliated and shamed.. but He didn't want to do it anyway. It was only the drug that made his control falter. ---
OM - Sass's ex shows up but she beats the hell out of him. She has no feelings for him and never did.
Insta love - Yes for both the hero's.... No for both the heroines
Violence- yes nothing bloody or gorey
Cursing- yes
Sex- Yes only for Kel-Paten & Sass ( a few nicely done)
Sorry for the shabby review, I'm just not up to par today
August 21, 2010
GUYS, well I've delved into the genre of "romantic Sci-Fi" and its a mixed bag. This author is at the top of the heap for the genre and I've read several books by her in the past week or so (as well as one I loved a while ago). I liked this one the least, although it came highly recommended.
I dunno why, the main dude just was too weird for me. Kal-Paten is a name I couldn't read without giggling a lot, and I just kept trying to figure out how he was a cyborg, what he'd look like naked, and if they cut off his arms and legs to make him a partially human cy-person, why they left his privates intact, or did they replace that with a robot appendage too.
I also questioned some of the logic of the main heroine's "Secret", which seemed like the worst secret ever kept. I dunno, clearly I didn't get caught up in the emotions of the story, HAHA! I DO LIKE THIS AUTHOR, but this one was my least favorite.
I dunno why, the main dude just was too weird for me. Kal-Paten is a name I couldn't read without giggling a lot, and I just kept trying to figure out how he was a cyborg, what he'd look like naked, and if they cut off his arms and legs to make him a partially human cy-person, why they left his privates intact, or did they replace that with a robot appendage too.
I also questioned some of the logic of the main heroine's "Secret", which seemed like the worst secret ever kept. I dunno, clearly I didn't get caught up in the emotions of the story, HAHA! I DO LIKE THIS AUTHOR, but this one was my least favorite.
January 6, 2011
I'm really glad I read a few of the books in Sinclair's Dock 5 series before reading this. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't awful. The characters are very strong and likable and the storytelling is generally good. The author is excellent in every book I've read of hers, this one included, at setting the spaceship scene, making it feel extremely real without going on and on about the technology and creating a barrier for fans who are more interested in the romance or adventure.
But it was not the polished product that Gabriel's Ghost or Hope's Folly are. In fact, it feels like a trial run for that series, with many elements from those stories appearing in this book in various forms. Sully from Dock 5 and Jace in this are virtually identical both in looks and abilities, and in their big secret. The way that Kel-Patten fell for and followed Sass for so many years is exactly the same as the way that Sully fell for Chaz (and a bit disturbing in both cases, straddling the line between stalker and romantic for me). And there were a handful of other very similar elements. It felt to me like the author had written this book at an earlier date and scrapped it later on to re-write it as the more polished first two books of the Dock 5 series.
Then I noticed on the copyright page that parts of this book previously appeared in another (shorter?) book and several short stories, which solidified my theory in my mind. I'm guessing that this was one of the author's first efforts and that after she became very popular, she and the publisher had a chance to release this as well and decided to just go for it. The problem is that not only is it repetitive, but also it doesn't all fit. They should have made the commitment to making it another series, or skipped it altogether, because it's really rushed and frequently confusing, with too many elements crowded in from the political and personal histories of the characters and universe. It felt like she had to include everything because fans of the previous stories would be upset if she didn't, but including it all made it a big mess. There were just too many details, and this is in a book that was still 525 pages. It was really confused at the beginning with way to many names and terms being thrown about to establish the background. And by the end I wondered why she'd bothered, as it really wasn't all necessary to tell the basic story. The pirates from Sass's past were introduced but never explained, I still don't understand what happened to her on Lethant (very sililar to Moabar in Dock 5), the stuff with Kel-Patten's friend Rall only makes sense if you read the story on Sinclair's website, etc. Trying to crowd too many elements into the book frequently made it feel confusing, rushed and choppy.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy it. But I wouldn't put it first on my list of books of Sinclair's to try if you are just starting out with her. Go for Gabriel's Ghost, it's a much more cohesive and polished product.
But it was not the polished product that Gabriel's Ghost or Hope's Folly are. In fact, it feels like a trial run for that series, with many elements from those stories appearing in this book in various forms. Sully from Dock 5 and Jace in this are virtually identical both in looks and abilities, and in their big secret. The way that Kel-Patten fell for and followed Sass for so many years is exactly the same as the way that Sully fell for Chaz (and a bit disturbing in both cases, straddling the line between stalker and romantic for me). And there were a handful of other very similar elements. It felt to me like the author had written this book at an earlier date and scrapped it later on to re-write it as the more polished first two books of the Dock 5 series.
Then I noticed on the copyright page that parts of this book previously appeared in another (shorter?) book and several short stories, which solidified my theory in my mind. I'm guessing that this was one of the author's first efforts and that after she became very popular, she and the publisher had a chance to release this as well and decided to just go for it. The problem is that not only is it repetitive, but also it doesn't all fit. They should have made the commitment to making it another series, or skipped it altogether, because it's really rushed and frequently confusing, with too many elements crowded in from the political and personal histories of the characters and universe. It felt like she had to include everything because fans of the previous stories would be upset if she didn't, but including it all made it a big mess. There were just too many details, and this is in a book that was still 525 pages. It was really confused at the beginning with way to many names and terms being thrown about to establish the background. And by the end I wondered why she'd bothered, as it really wasn't all necessary to tell the basic story. The pirates from Sass's past were introduced but never explained, I still don't understand what happened to her on Lethant (very sililar to Moabar in Dock 5), the stuff with Kel-Patten's friend Rall only makes sense if you read the story on Sinclair's website, etc. Trying to crowd too many elements into the book frequently made it feel confusing, rushed and choppy.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy it. But I wouldn't put it first on my list of books of Sinclair's to try if you are just starting out with her. Go for Gabriel's Ghost, it's a much more cohesive and polished product.
October 6, 2010
Ugh!
So, there was one part of this book I liked, and a whole lot that I didn't.
The romance between Sass and Kel-Paten had everything I love - two highly intelligent people on opposing sides moving toward a relationship. There was tension, there was hotness, and okay, maybe Kel-Paten was a little too swoony over Sass in his unsent letters to her, but that's OK!
There was a political backstory that I found intriguing. What was going on? Why? Who knew what?
And then there were the bits I didn't like.
I really liked the character of Eden. I sort of maybe liked Jace. But the way Jace and Eden fell into giggly love instantaneously was annoying as hell. No tension, no buildup - just perfect love at first sight. It felt incredibly forced. And the villains felt completely cartoony. And did I mention the "We're in huge danger - let's take a break and get it on!" sex scene!
But the thing I really hated was the telepathic teleporting not-cats. First off...if they're cats, just call them CATS. Fine, they were genetically altered somewhere along the line, whatever...but they're CATS. And...seriously? Seriously? You could get hot and bothered with your lover while your telepathic cat is crooning baby talk into your head? Because I sure couldn't.
This book also felt like the second half - after they go into the weird hallucinate-y space - was tacked on to the first. It was like reading a NaNoWriMo novel where the author has no idea what to do next and then does something crazy that changes the book entirely.
Bleah. BLEAH.
So, there was one part of this book I liked, and a whole lot that I didn't.
The romance between Sass and Kel-Paten had everything I love - two highly intelligent people on opposing sides moving toward a relationship. There was tension, there was hotness, and okay, maybe Kel-Paten was a little too swoony over Sass in his unsent letters to her, but that's OK!
There was a political backstory that I found intriguing. What was going on? Why? Who knew what?
And then there were the bits I didn't like.
I really liked the character of Eden. I sort of maybe liked Jace. But the way Jace and Eden fell into giggly love instantaneously was annoying as hell. No tension, no buildup - just perfect love at first sight. It felt incredibly forced. And the villains felt completely cartoony. And did I mention the "We're in huge danger - let's take a break and get it on!" sex scene!
But the thing I really hated was the telepathic teleporting not-cats. First off...if they're cats, just call them CATS. Fine, they were genetically altered somewhere along the line, whatever...but they're CATS. And...seriously? Seriously? You could get hot and bothered with your lover while your telepathic cat is crooning baby talk into your head? Because I sure couldn't.
This book also felt like the second half - after they go into the weird hallucinate-y space - was tacked on to the first. It was like reading a NaNoWriMo novel where the author has no idea what to do next and then does something crazy that changes the book entirely.
Bleah. BLEAH.
February 6, 2017
Games of Command is a mix of adventure, suspense and two love affairs. Despite the good plot, it was a slow read in the beginning, as I was somewhat confused by the all the information thrown in: the unique jargon to the plot that the reader must learn as he reads on: biocybe, Tel-Tal, U-Cee, Psy-Serv, Novalis, etc.
The main protagonists, well developed and easy to understand, are biocybe Admiral Branden Kel-Paten and Captain Tasha Sebastian, aka Lady Sass, old enemies from the days before the Triad. The romance is long to develop, Tasha does her best to hide her past while serving under the enigmatic the Admiral, at the same time Kel-Paten lacks practice dealing with his human emotions. The secondary couple Jace Serafino and Dr. Eden Fynn work well together as well.
The main protagonists, well developed and easy to understand, are biocybe Admiral Branden Kel-Paten and Captain Tasha Sebastian, aka Lady Sass, old enemies from the days before the Triad. The romance is long to develop, Tasha does her best to hide her past while serving under the enigmatic the Admiral, at the same time Kel-Paten lacks practice dealing with his human emotions. The secondary couple Jace Serafino and Dr. Eden Fynn work well together as well.
March 2, 2015
What an amazing ride!!! At 525 pages, Games of Command isn't a short and sweet read. Plus, one has to contend with all the information about alien races, sci-fi terminology, politics and alliances flying left,right and center. The time spent is so well worth it; I was completely hooked onto this space adventure and the pages just flew by.
The pace and tone of this story was just spot on. Although the real action takes off at the start, the characters' backgrounds are much more intertwined. I feel this lent the story a sense of continuity; that their adventures would go on and us,the readers are getting a small peek into their lives.
The romance has one of my favourite romance tropes ever - a hero's unrequited love for the heroine. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten has been in love with Tasha Sebastian for twelve long years. Once on opposite sides of an inter-galactic war, he is now Tasha's commanding officer for the Alliance. As a teenager, Branden was made into a bio-cybe- given alarming strength and superfast processor-like brains, but left devoid of human emotions. The transformation makes him feel unworthy of Tasha, and for all this time he has kept his feelings shut away.
On the other hand, Commander Tasha Sebastian is hoping to keep her unsavory past as the infamous smuggler Lady Sass, far far away from the Alliance's notice. Deep mistrust still lingers on both sides of the Alliance, and when out-of-the-ordinary things start happening, Tasha wonders if Kel-Paten has a hidden agenda.
Tasha's friend Dr.Eden Flynn is a newly-discovered empath, and is enlisted to help uncover all the covered-up secrets aboard the ship. It is just then, that injured mercenary Jace Seraphino is retrieved from a busted-up ship. Jace harbours a deep hatred for Kel-Paten, but he also shares Tasha's mercenary past. Enslaved by a hidden chip embedded inside his brain, he carries deep secrets that endanger the Alliance, and the lives of everyone aboard. Thus, with these four characters squared off against each other, the 'Games of Command' commence!
Oh, and did I mention the absolutely adorbs POVs from Tasha's and Eden's cat-like pets!
This book has amazing characterizations, but the romance develops very slowly. Nevertheless, watching Kel-Paten inch and stumble his way across a romantic minefield stole my heart. His utter devotion to Tasha, and the resultant heartache made for good times.
Highly recommended to all romance lovers, even those who aren't into space operas!
The pace and tone of this story was just spot on. Although the real action takes off at the start, the characters' backgrounds are much more intertwined. I feel this lent the story a sense of continuity; that their adventures would go on and us,the readers are getting a small peek into their lives.
The romance has one of my favourite romance tropes ever - a hero's unrequited love for the heroine. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten has been in love with Tasha Sebastian for twelve long years. Once on opposite sides of an inter-galactic war, he is now Tasha's commanding officer for the Alliance. As a teenager, Branden was made into a bio-cybe- given alarming strength and superfast processor-like brains, but left devoid of human emotions. The transformation makes him feel unworthy of Tasha, and for all this time he has kept his feelings shut away.
On the other hand, Commander Tasha Sebastian is hoping to keep her unsavory past as the infamous smuggler Lady Sass, far far away from the Alliance's notice. Deep mistrust still lingers on both sides of the Alliance, and when out-of-the-ordinary things start happening, Tasha wonders if Kel-Paten has a hidden agenda.
Tasha's friend Dr.Eden Flynn is a newly-discovered empath, and is enlisted to help uncover all the covered-up secrets aboard the ship. It is just then, that injured mercenary Jace Seraphino is retrieved from a busted-up ship. Jace harbours a deep hatred for Kel-Paten, but he also shares Tasha's mercenary past. Enslaved by a hidden chip embedded inside his brain, he carries deep secrets that endanger the Alliance, and the lives of everyone aboard. Thus, with these four characters squared off against each other, the 'Games of Command' commence!
Oh, and did I mention the absolutely adorbs POVs from Tasha's and Eden's cat-like pets!
This book has amazing characterizations, but the romance develops very slowly. Nevertheless, watching Kel-Paten inch and stumble his way across a romantic minefield stole my heart. His utter devotion to Tasha, and the resultant heartache made for good times.
Highly recommended to all romance lovers, even those who aren't into space operas!
May 12, 2009
Linnea Sinclair has found her true calling when it comes to writing sci-fi/ space travel fiction. There is a touch of everything in this book. A great hero and heroine, action packed space travel and also some interesting little creatures as side kicks that are so adorable.
Tasha Sebastian is a hardnosed space captain who has a shady past but tries to let it go as she looks forward to the future. She is assigned to go on a mission with a man who has been the bain of her existence for years. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten is as perfect as you can get. When he was a teenager he was made into a half man/ half machine that can run a ship with his body. But Kel-Paten is supposed not to have any real feelings. He even has the nickname "Tin Soldier". Well, everyone was wrong. He has an undying passion for Tasha, who he has secretly loved for years. And he hasn't had a lot of experience with women so he feels he is unworthy of her love. This needs to be kept hidden because if anyone finds out, he will be considered a malfunction and perhaps his life will be ended.
Along for this ride is Tasha's doctor friend Eden and their two little pets known as furzels (Hey, it is sci fiction after all; we need some adorable creatures for comic relief at least). Every time one of these furzels enters the scene, it was a joy and took away some of the heavy action occurring.
Tasha's and Kel-Paten's journey doesn't go well as they pick up Jace who maybe an enemy against the fraction they both work for. Tasha and Jace have a past that if also found out, it could mean the end of Tasha's career and yes, her life. But things go from bad to worse with other enemies coming out from all sides for their own devious reasons. It is up to our two main characters along with Eden and Jace, who also eye each other, to save part of the universe.
There is so much going on in this book that it is an enjoyable wild ride. There are two love affairs going on with four great characters that you can not miss. Kel-Paten is one hero that suffers so silently that you wish Tasha would see what he sees in her and understand his feelings.
Yes, there are undertones of a romance but it doesn't overrun the story. This book is perfect for male and female alike and even teens.
A true intergalactic feat by one storyteller who is reinventing this genre
Tasha Sebastian is a hardnosed space captain who has a shady past but tries to let it go as she looks forward to the future. She is assigned to go on a mission with a man who has been the bain of her existence for years. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten is as perfect as you can get. When he was a teenager he was made into a half man/ half machine that can run a ship with his body. But Kel-Paten is supposed not to have any real feelings. He even has the nickname "Tin Soldier". Well, everyone was wrong. He has an undying passion for Tasha, who he has secretly loved for years. And he hasn't had a lot of experience with women so he feels he is unworthy of her love. This needs to be kept hidden because if anyone finds out, he will be considered a malfunction and perhaps his life will be ended.
Along for this ride is Tasha's doctor friend Eden and their two little pets known as furzels (Hey, it is sci fiction after all; we need some adorable creatures for comic relief at least). Every time one of these furzels enters the scene, it was a joy and took away some of the heavy action occurring.
Tasha's and Kel-Paten's journey doesn't go well as they pick up Jace who maybe an enemy against the fraction they both work for. Tasha and Jace have a past that if also found out, it could mean the end of Tasha's career and yes, her life. But things go from bad to worse with other enemies coming out from all sides for their own devious reasons. It is up to our two main characters along with Eden and Jace, who also eye each other, to save part of the universe.
There is so much going on in this book that it is an enjoyable wild ride. There are two love affairs going on with four great characters that you can not miss. Kel-Paten is one hero that suffers so silently that you wish Tasha would see what he sees in her and understand his feelings.
Yes, there are undertones of a romance but it doesn't overrun the story. This book is perfect for male and female alike and even teens.
A true intergalactic feat by one storyteller who is reinventing this genre
August 23, 2025
Captain Tasha Sebastian aka Sass is transferred to the Vaxxar serving under Admiral Branden Kel-Paten aka Tin Soldier. They are given the mission to capture outlaw Jace Serafino and after going through a vortex of some kind, Serafino falls into their hands. But he and his crew are injured and sent to medical into the care of Dr. Eden Fynn. Everyone has their secrets and the secrets are all about to become known.
Torn between 3 and 4 stars. I liked it but it fell short compared to other books I've read by Linnea Sinclair. It may have been due to the fact we have two "romantic" couples and the story switched back and forth between the couples. At times I had to stop and remember who I was reading about. But the story was unique and I did like the setting and plot.
Torn between 3 and 4 stars. I liked it but it fell short compared to other books I've read by Linnea Sinclair. It may have been due to the fact we have two "romantic" couples and the story switched back and forth between the couples. At times I had to stop and remember who I was reading about. But the story was unique and I did like the setting and plot.
July 16, 2014
Captain Tasha "Sass" Sebastian isn't whom she claims to be. Her past is a lot more colorful than her records claim but no one but her closest friend knows that. After fighting in a war for several years that's finally come to an end, she's started to feel comfortable. Until as a gesture of goodwill, both sides decide to integrate their people. And Tasha has been chosen to be one of those people. Specifically chosen to be integrated into Admiral Branden Kel-Paten ship. Tasha and the Admiral were enemies throughout the war and have fought against each other numerous times. How can she trust him? And worst of all what if he finds out her secrets? Things begin to calm down as she builds a comradery with the Admiral. Her best friend Dr. Eden Fynn is an empath and joined Tasha on the ship shortly after she was integrated. Eden has begun to notice odd readings from Admiral Kel-Paten. He is a biocybe and should not be able to express emotions, however when he's around Tasha Dr. Eden senses something like emotion coming from him. When a notorious rebel Jace Serafino comes aboard the ship hurt and a wanted man Dr. Eden begins to have her own problems with emotions. Dr. Eden knows she shouldn't trust a man like Jace, especially when she realizes how handsome and charming he can be. And Jace has his own secrets too. Suddenly all four of them are thrown into a battle both physically and emotionally and none are sure if any will survive.
I probably made this book sound incredibly silly, and it kind of is. But in a good way. Once again Linnea Sinclair mixes the perfect balance of sci-fi action/adventure and romance. I felt less confused in this book than I did when reading Finders Keepers. There wasn't as much terminology within the book thrown at me that I didn't understand. It was interesting in that it had two solid romances going on at the same time and you get just as much emotionally invested in one as the other. I thought that some of the characters felt similar to characters in Finders Keepers but that's probably my only negative about this book. I loved this book in general and would recommend it to anyone interested in having their sci-fi adventures laced with really strong romance.
I probably made this book sound incredibly silly, and it kind of is. But in a good way. Once again Linnea Sinclair mixes the perfect balance of sci-fi action/adventure and romance. I felt less confused in this book than I did when reading Finders Keepers. There wasn't as much terminology within the book thrown at me that I didn't understand. It was interesting in that it had two solid romances going on at the same time and you get just as much emotionally invested in one as the other. I thought that some of the characters felt similar to characters in Finders Keepers but that's probably my only negative about this book. I loved this book in general and would recommend it to anyone interested in having their sci-fi adventures laced with really strong romance.
July 19, 2021
3.5*s. If you'd asked me at 50% what I was going to rate the book, I would have say 5 stars for sure. Unfortunately, things went downhill from there. It's a good sci-fi romance but, sadly, not great.
On the spectrum between sci-fi novel and romance novel, I'd put this book pretty squarely in the middle. It's a far cry from the usual insta-love between humans and their green/blue alien counterparts, but the plot does revolve around the romantic storyline. It's slow-burn, (fr)enemies to lovers story with a secondary romantic plot Tasha's friend Eden and wanted rebel Jace. All four are give points of view, as are their adorable little pet furzels, Tank and Reilly.
I loved Tasha, with her pink joggers, No, No Bad Captain t-shirt, and sassy attitude. She's eminently capable but down-to-earth and loves a good time. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten wouldn't know a good time if it hit him in the face, mostly because Psy-Serv has programmed him that way. Nevertheless, he's a good man, a good leader, and surprisingly soft and vulnerable once you get passed the hard, grumpy exterior.
Perhaps surprisingly, the furzels stole the show. They were beyond cute with their child-like telepathic communication and their determination to protect Mommy. Their rather convenient abilities had an element of deus ex machina about them, but they were so adorable I didn't care too much.
The first half of the book was brilliant, with Tasha and Kel-Paten at loggerheads. Sadly, it was let down by the second half, as the author tried to get too clever with the plot and the world-building. The alternate dimensions confused me and the antagonists were rather one-dimensionally evil; all of it distracted from the primary storyline, the romance. A shame as I really thought I was on to a winner.
Would I recommend this? Maybe, if you're already a fan of sci-fi romances. I'd probably recommend Winter's Orbit first. I'm still going to give Linnea Sinclair another go, perhaps with Gabriel's Ghost. I think she's got potential and I really did love the start.
"Kiss me. That's an order."
On the spectrum between sci-fi novel and romance novel, I'd put this book pretty squarely in the middle. It's a far cry from the usual insta-love between humans and their green/blue alien counterparts, but the plot does revolve around the romantic storyline. It's slow-burn, (fr)enemies to lovers story with a secondary romantic plot Tasha's friend Eden and wanted rebel Jace. All four are give points of view, as are their adorable little pet furzels, Tank and Reilly.
"If you ever stopped arguing with me, I'd know there was something wrong."
I loved Tasha, with her pink joggers, No, No Bad Captain t-shirt, and sassy attitude. She's eminently capable but down-to-earth and loves a good time. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten wouldn't know a good time if it hit him in the face, mostly because Psy-Serv has programmed him that way. Nevertheless, he's a good man, a good leader, and surprisingly soft and vulnerable once you get passed the hard, grumpy exterior.
'Dear gods, he'd made her blush! And they were talking about hypothetical equations.'
Perhaps surprisingly, the furzels stole the show. They were beyond cute with their child-like telepathic communication and their determination to protect Mommy. Their rather convenient abilities had an element of deus ex machina about them, but they were so adorable I didn't care too much.
"Pet his head and tell him he did a good job." "What?" She mimicked a stroking motion wit her hand. "Pet him. Say, 'Good furzel.'"
The first half of the book was brilliant, with Tasha and Kel-Paten at loggerheads. Sadly, it was let down by the second half, as the author tried to get too clever with the plot and the world-building. The alternate dimensions confused me and the antagonists were rather one-dimensionally evil; all of it distracted from the primary storyline, the romance. A shame as I really thought I was on to a winner.
Would I recommend this? Maybe, if you're already a fan of sci-fi romances. I'd probably recommend Winter's Orbit first. I'm still going to give Linnea Sinclair another go, perhaps with Gabriel's Ghost. I think she's got potential and I really did love the start.
July 14, 2014
Once in a while, I will pick up a Space Opera for all the fun elements of Sci-Fi blended with romance. I've had my eye on this one since I read a follow-up short story in the SFR Brigade antho referencing this one. I was eager for a strong capable hero and heroine on a swashbuckling space adventure and that's what I got. But I also got an intriguing thriller to make things even more interesting.
I loved the writing style, the pace and the tone of the book so much that I didn't even feel all those pages going by. I laughed, I held my breath in excitement and I was sad all in one. The background was strong and well established. I enjoyed encountering all the alien cultures. The characters were written to be strong, but they were also flawed. There are actually two romances going on with four main characters. I like that all of them are from different races and of different personalities. The adorable cat-like pets with psychic ability and some magic of their own are great too.
The lead hero, Branden Kel-Paten, is a cyborg human military space ship commander who somehow managed to retain his emotions and he has been in love with Tasha Sebastian from the moment he set eyes on her. It pains him that she will never consider him human enough or worthy of her attention. Tasha Sebastian is hiding a big secret and she worries constantly that straight-arrow Kel-Paten who is her new commander will discover that she was once the smuggler, Lady Sass. She can't figure out Kel-Paten's interest in her. Things are happening within the newly formed military alliance organization and she doesn't know if Kel-Paten is just who he seems to be or if he has a secret agenda. Sass' friend, the Chief Medical Officer, Eden, is an empath and it is with her help that Sass starts to nose out some of the cover up secrets. Shortly into their latest mission, a mercenary spy, Jace Serafino, who they were sent to retrieve is brought on board wounded from his ship getting busted up in a vortex. He has a past with both Kel-Paten and Sass, but his hints at conspiracy stir the pot even more especially when he advices them to place no trust in Kel-Paten. He falls for Eden as she does for him, but with his arrival comes danger that can destroy them all and the new alliance that formed. Surviving and getting Serafino's secrets to the proper authorities becomes the priority. And trustworthy or not, they all need Kel-Paten's help to do it.
There was a good balance of space adventure and romance. My favorite character was Kel-Paten. There wasn't much talk of how he became cybe or the horrible medical and lab treatments he underwent. There is no mention of why like whether it was his idea or there was no choice due to something like a medical condition or if he was coerced. Regardless, he is now enhanced and thought of as more machine than human capable of running a huge military ship, but not thought to be treated like everyone else. He struggled because he had to hide the fact that he kept his emotions and feelings from when he was human. It was hard knowing his side of things and what he was thinking and feeling when the others treated him as suspect and said cutting things. Not that he was some poor, pitiful guy. He was strong and courageous. He was stiff and unbending about things- by the book which is why Sass in particular hesitated to trust him.
Sass was interesting. She is human unlike the others who have psychic or cybe abilities, but she is still one of the strongest members of the group. She grew up rough and poor and lived the best she could amongst pirates and smugglers, but when offered a second chance to make good, she took it. She's had to be strong and rely only on herself. She had a few friends, but for the most part, she didn't trust or rely on others. She sees the value in rules, but is quite capable of doing what she has to do to get the right result. Whiles she took verbal shots at Kel-Paten particularly when she wanted to keep him at a distance, she really was accepting of him as a person and eventually more.
I enjoyed the interactions of all the characters and following their romances. The romances are slow-build so there isn't much of a physical nature going on. I didn't mind because there was so much other stuff keeping me engaged in the story.
So all in all, I enjoyed this one and definitely planning to catch more of the same from this author. Lovers of Space Opera and Space adventure romance should put this one on their list.
I loved the writing style, the pace and the tone of the book so much that I didn't even feel all those pages going by. I laughed, I held my breath in excitement and I was sad all in one. The background was strong and well established. I enjoyed encountering all the alien cultures. The characters were written to be strong, but they were also flawed. There are actually two romances going on with four main characters. I like that all of them are from different races and of different personalities. The adorable cat-like pets with psychic ability and some magic of their own are great too.
The lead hero, Branden Kel-Paten, is a cyborg human military space ship commander who somehow managed to retain his emotions and he has been in love with Tasha Sebastian from the moment he set eyes on her. It pains him that she will never consider him human enough or worthy of her attention. Tasha Sebastian is hiding a big secret and she worries constantly that straight-arrow Kel-Paten who is her new commander will discover that she was once the smuggler, Lady Sass. She can't figure out Kel-Paten's interest in her. Things are happening within the newly formed military alliance organization and she doesn't know if Kel-Paten is just who he seems to be or if he has a secret agenda. Sass' friend, the Chief Medical Officer, Eden, is an empath and it is with her help that Sass starts to nose out some of the cover up secrets. Shortly into their latest mission, a mercenary spy, Jace Serafino, who they were sent to retrieve is brought on board wounded from his ship getting busted up in a vortex. He has a past with both Kel-Paten and Sass, but his hints at conspiracy stir the pot even more especially when he advices them to place no trust in Kel-Paten. He falls for Eden as she does for him, but with his arrival comes danger that can destroy them all and the new alliance that formed. Surviving and getting Serafino's secrets to the proper authorities becomes the priority. And trustworthy or not, they all need Kel-Paten's help to do it.
There was a good balance of space adventure and romance. My favorite character was Kel-Paten. There wasn't much talk of how he became cybe or the horrible medical and lab treatments he underwent. There is no mention of why like whether it was his idea or there was no choice due to something like a medical condition or if he was coerced. Regardless, he is now enhanced and thought of as more machine than human capable of running a huge military ship, but not thought to be treated like everyone else. He struggled because he had to hide the fact that he kept his emotions and feelings from when he was human. It was hard knowing his side of things and what he was thinking and feeling when the others treated him as suspect and said cutting things. Not that he was some poor, pitiful guy. He was strong and courageous. He was stiff and unbending about things- by the book which is why Sass in particular hesitated to trust him.
Sass was interesting. She is human unlike the others who have psychic or cybe abilities, but she is still one of the strongest members of the group. She grew up rough and poor and lived the best she could amongst pirates and smugglers, but when offered a second chance to make good, she took it. She's had to be strong and rely only on herself. She had a few friends, but for the most part, she didn't trust or rely on others. She sees the value in rules, but is quite capable of doing what she has to do to get the right result. Whiles she took verbal shots at Kel-Paten particularly when she wanted to keep him at a distance, she really was accepting of him as a person and eventually more.
I enjoyed the interactions of all the characters and following their romances. The romances are slow-build so there isn't much of a physical nature going on. I didn't mind because there was so much other stuff keeping me engaged in the story.
So all in all, I enjoyed this one and definitely planning to catch more of the same from this author. Lovers of Space Opera and Space adventure romance should put this one on their list.
June 3, 2008
I decided to follow up my first Linnea Sinclair book ( Gabriel's Ghost) with Games of Command and I am so glad I did. What a fun, fun book this is. I inhaled it over the weekend and wished there was a sequel lying around somewhere when I was done. Games of Command follows main characters Captain Tasha Sebastian and Admiral Branden Kel-Paten as well as secondary characters Dr. Eden Fynn and Captain Jace Serafino. As in Gabriel's Ghost, the two main characters have a history from the get-go and I love that. Makes me feel like I've stepped into something real and multifaceted, like the characters didn't just begin to exist when I opened the book but have instead been living their lives just fine without me and are now generously letting me peek in on what's going on.
When their respective employers form an alliance, the former nemeses find themselves working together on the same ship. Tasha and Kel-Paten both have a few very potent secrets to hide, from each other and the Alliance. But just when they think they've reached a professional balance of don't ask, don't tell, notorious pirate Jace Serafino lands on board the Vax, injured and fairly leaking information that could expose a number of people and set off a few nasty time bombs. Add to that the fact that Kel-Paten is a biocybe (half human/half machine), Serafino is a telepath, Tasha is a former mercenary, and the games are on. The point of view alternates between the four lead characters and this helped shape the flow of the story and propel it forward, giving the reader some insight into each characters' motivations, hopes, and flaws leading up to the conclusion.
I liked Gabriel's Ghost, but I loved Games of Command. A big reason was because Tasha and Kel-Paten are both good guys, completely and compulsively likable. He is not a reformed scoundrel, she is not a heartless opportunist. They're both simply in over their heads trying to claw their way out of the mess they've stumbled into. They enjoy taunting each other to a degree (naturally) but there is little to no run-of-the-mill bickering inserted just to show how insufferably domineering he is and how incredibly sassy she is. And that was utterly refreshing. I cared about them, wanted the best for them, and they didn't let me down by being petty or stupid. Reading this book was just plain Fun. Definitely a keeper.
When their respective employers form an alliance, the former nemeses find themselves working together on the same ship. Tasha and Kel-Paten both have a few very potent secrets to hide, from each other and the Alliance. But just when they think they've reached a professional balance of don't ask, don't tell, notorious pirate Jace Serafino lands on board the Vax, injured and fairly leaking information that could expose a number of people and set off a few nasty time bombs. Add to that the fact that Kel-Paten is a biocybe (half human/half machine), Serafino is a telepath, Tasha is a former mercenary, and the games are on. The point of view alternates between the four lead characters and this helped shape the flow of the story and propel it forward, giving the reader some insight into each characters' motivations, hopes, and flaws leading up to the conclusion.
I liked Gabriel's Ghost, but I loved Games of Command. A big reason was because Tasha and Kel-Paten are both good guys, completely and compulsively likable. He is not a reformed scoundrel, she is not a heartless opportunist. They're both simply in over their heads trying to claw their way out of the mess they've stumbled into. They enjoy taunting each other to a degree (naturally) but there is little to no run-of-the-mill bickering inserted just to show how insufferably domineering he is and how incredibly sassy she is. And that was utterly refreshing. I cared about them, wanted the best for them, and they didn't let me down by being petty or stupid. Reading this book was just plain Fun. Definitely a keeper.
April 14, 2018
I’ve been on the hunt for a good sci-fi romance and this 10 year-old stand-alone from Linnea Sinclair absolutely hit the spot. Not every element was perfect, but it was sexy and angsty and hit all my happy buttons with a virgin cyborg hero that falls in love despite the restrictions of his programming.
Tasha “Sass” Sebastian is a hotshot pilot with a unsavory past she is trying to leave behind. Her latest assignment puts her under the command of Admiral Branden Kel-Paten, her long-time sparring partner and not-quite nemesis. The buttoned-up, icy commander is mechanically enhanced, and she enjoys matching wits with him. She has no idea that he’s secretly been in love with her for years.
The mission aboard Kel-Paten’s ship sends the crew in search of space pirate, Jace Serafino. When they encounter a mysterious vortex, they find their quarry, but he’s ill. Sebastian’s friend, Eden, the medical officer takes over his care and the secondary romance is born. She is an empath and Jace is a telepath; they forge a connection before he ever even wakes up from unconsciousness and develop a basic insta-love while Sebastian and Kel-Paten work the slow burn.
Kel-Paten was so sweet and guarded and unsure about how to deal with his feelings for Sebastian. Not only is he clueless about courtship but his kind isn’t supposed to experience emotions and if they’re exposed, it could lead to a recalibration that could change his very nature. So the book follows the careful dance he enters with Sebastian as she learns of his affection and examines her own feelings in return.
All the romance is set against the backdrop of great space lingo, political machinations, and cute little furry telepathic animals with special powers and adorable syntax. The pacing is fast, the space-talk is awesome, and the author does a fantastic job keeping Jace’s motives unclear.
The book isn’t perfect: the fuzzy animals were a little twee and I wasn’t 100% sure what it was that made Kel-Paten fall in love with Sebastian so completely against his design. But I DIDN’T CARE. My little niggles were just that… little. I was so immersed in the main romance and the fragility of the hero’s emotions, I couldn’t put it down. And though there was a little blip before the HEA, the ending totally satisfied.
This might not score 100 for everyone, but I loved it, especially the payoff on Kel-Paten’s long unrequited love. Total swoon.
Rating: A-
Tasha “Sass” Sebastian is a hotshot pilot with a unsavory past she is trying to leave behind. Her latest assignment puts her under the command of Admiral Branden Kel-Paten, her long-time sparring partner and not-quite nemesis. The buttoned-up, icy commander is mechanically enhanced, and she enjoys matching wits with him. She has no idea that he’s secretly been in love with her for years.
The mission aboard Kel-Paten’s ship sends the crew in search of space pirate, Jace Serafino. When they encounter a mysterious vortex, they find their quarry, but he’s ill. Sebastian’s friend, Eden, the medical officer takes over his care and the secondary romance is born. She is an empath and Jace is a telepath; they forge a connection before he ever even wakes up from unconsciousness and develop a basic insta-love while Sebastian and Kel-Paten work the slow burn.
Kel-Paten was so sweet and guarded and unsure about how to deal with his feelings for Sebastian. Not only is he clueless about courtship but his kind isn’t supposed to experience emotions and if they’re exposed, it could lead to a recalibration that could change his very nature. So the book follows the careful dance he enters with Sebastian as she learns of his affection and examines her own feelings in return.
All the romance is set against the backdrop of great space lingo, political machinations, and cute little furry telepathic animals with special powers and adorable syntax. The pacing is fast, the space-talk is awesome, and the author does a fantastic job keeping Jace’s motives unclear.
The book isn’t perfect: the fuzzy animals were a little twee and I wasn’t 100% sure what it was that made Kel-Paten fall in love with Sebastian so completely against his design. But I DIDN’T CARE. My little niggles were just that… little. I was so immersed in the main romance and the fragility of the hero’s emotions, I couldn’t put it down. And though there was a little blip before the HEA, the ending totally satisfied.
This might not score 100 for everyone, but I loved it, especially the payoff on Kel-Paten’s long unrequited love. Total swoon.
Rating: A-
May 5, 2010
Tasha "Sass" Sebastian, former Merc known as Lady Sass, gets assigned to the ship commandeered by one time enemy, Admiral Branden Kel-Paten. Now part of an alliance between their two factions, Sass must do her best to hide her past while serving under the enigmatic Kel-paten.
The Admiral has his own secrets. He has loved Sass since he first laid eyes on her- long before she was assigned to his ship. But there's a major problem- he's part cyber man and he isn't supposed to have "feelings" at all, much less the strong emotions he feels for Sass. So he hides it, keeping her near but loving her from afar.
But then they take on a passenger, a rogue telepath named Jace Serafino, who threatens both Sass's and Kel-Paten's long held secrets and with the alliance threatened from within and without there is nothing they can do but trust the man who could tear them both apart.
I liked Games of Command, but not as much as I thought I would, being the sci fi lover that I am and all. I definitely enjoyed the secondary romance between the ship's doc, Eden Flynn and Serifino just as much as the main Hero/Heroine, perhaps more so.
Sass and Kel-Paten lacked a chemistry despite his desperate longing for her and the fact he's unique in romance novel land. (He's a "virgin hero".) Yep, Sass is his first, and that- coupled with his long held torch for the feisty heroine- should have made their eventual "connection" much more fiery. Unfortunately, it was decidedly anticlimactic, imo, and far more tepid then I had hoped.
The other component to this novel are the pets. They're telepaths AND teleporters and they factor in big time to defeating the big bads. (I am not a pet person so I found it all kind of silly, really.) Still, the novel contains an intriguing enough plot and, from the many stellar reviews out there, I know many enjoyed GOC.
I'm giving it a 2 out of 5, however. I just didn't feel the passion between the H/H to bring this up to the level it should have been.
The Admiral has his own secrets. He has loved Sass since he first laid eyes on her- long before she was assigned to his ship. But there's a major problem- he's part cyber man and he isn't supposed to have "feelings" at all, much less the strong emotions he feels for Sass. So he hides it, keeping her near but loving her from afar.
But then they take on a passenger, a rogue telepath named Jace Serafino, who threatens both Sass's and Kel-Paten's long held secrets and with the alliance threatened from within and without there is nothing they can do but trust the man who could tear them both apart.
I liked Games of Command, but not as much as I thought I would, being the sci fi lover that I am and all. I definitely enjoyed the secondary romance between the ship's doc, Eden Flynn and Serifino just as much as the main Hero/Heroine, perhaps more so.
Sass and Kel-Paten lacked a chemistry despite his desperate longing for her and the fact he's unique in romance novel land. (He's a "virgin hero".) Yep, Sass is his first, and that- coupled with his long held torch for the feisty heroine- should have made their eventual "connection" much more fiery. Unfortunately, it was decidedly anticlimactic, imo, and far more tepid then I had hoped.
The other component to this novel are the pets. They're telepaths AND teleporters and they factor in big time to defeating the big bads. (I am not a pet person so I found it all kind of silly, really.) Still, the novel contains an intriguing enough plot and, from the many stellar reviews out there, I know many enjoyed GOC.
I'm giving it a 2 out of 5, however. I just didn't feel the passion between the H/H to bring this up to the level it should have been.
October 24, 2012
In light of discussion about reviews and bad reviews and online interaction happening today, let me first say that I picked this book up because another of Sinclair's books got a terrible review on SBTB. Given the passion of the review and the discussion that followed, I thought I HAVE to read something by this author and one of her books may end up being a book club book. Book club folks be warned!
Anyway--
This book was wonderful. The characters were so well drawn and believable. I LOVED the virgin cyborg hero. He was strong and vulnerable simultaneously. Sass was strong without being over the top. I loved how everytime a character started to really
piss me off, Sinclair tucked in some backstory that gained the character forgiveness from me. As an author she was dropping breadcrumbs for me to follow and I enjoyed every moment of it.
I have now either checked out or out on hold every book odd Sinclair's the library owns.
Anyway--
This book was wonderful. The characters were so well drawn and believable. I LOVED the virgin cyborg hero. He was strong and vulnerable simultaneously. Sass was strong without being over the top. I loved how everytime a character started to really
piss me off, Sinclair tucked in some backstory that gained the character forgiveness from me. As an author she was dropping breadcrumbs for me to follow and I enjoyed every moment of it.
I have now either checked out or out on hold every book odd Sinclair's the library owns.
November 5, 2012
I was disappointed to see that this wasn't part of a series. Very entertaining read. Loved the furzals. I'm normally not a fan of the part android/robot main character. I haven't read any of the Dock Five books yet so I dont' know if they take place in the same "world" as this one did and that this was just an independent book. If not then I hope she writes more to go with this one.
September 20, 2014
Originally posted at Chachic's Book Nook.
I’ve been meaning to try Linnea Sinclair’s books for a while now and I’m glad I was finally able to do so when I picked up Games of Command. There was a time when I felt that sci-fi isn’t really my thing because the worldbuilding tends to be more complicated that what I usually like. But then I loved Silent Blade and Silver Shark by Ilona Andrews and the Touchstone trilogy by Andrea K. Host so I’ve been wanting to explore the genre a bit more. Linnea Sinclair has been recommended by blogging buddies Angie and Janice and I’ve had her books on my TBR pile for ages. I was recently in the mood for sci-fi so I ignored the other three books I was in the middle of, bought the Kindle edition of Games of Command and promptly got sucked in by Linnea Sinclair’s writing.
I had a lot of fun reading Games of Command and I thought it was a good introduction to Linnea Sinclair’s work. I was so absorbed that I stayed up late to finish it. I have to admit that some of the terms and situations went over my head but I was fine with that, I felt like it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the novel. I think that will always be the case for me whenever I read certain space opera novels. I would rather go with the flow of the book instead of spend too much time trying to figure out the science and the mechanics of that particular book.
Going into this novel, I knew that it was romantic sci-fi so I was looking forward to the romance and I wasn’t disappointed. The book focused on two couples but I liked the main story arc, between Sass and Branden, more than the secondary one. Admiral Kel-Paten is a biocybe, half-human and half-machine, and he’s not supposed to develop romantic feelings. But due to some quirk, he fell in love with Sass even though they’re on opposite sides of a galactic war. When truce comes in the form of an alliance, Branden fights to have Sass by his side as the captain of his flagship. I liked seeing these two interact with each other and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold from their points of view. Branden is highly competent in his work but he's pretty clueless when it comes to human emotions. It was interesting to see his vulnerability and how he worked to build a relationship with Sass that goes beyond their professional connection. As for Sass, at first she was just concerned with keeping her secret past from Branden but then she grows to respect him during the months they work together. I found the slow burn romance between these two flawed characters sweet. Here's a snippet that I really liked:
Games of Command is filled with action and adventure. I enjoyed the fast pace of the novel and have no complaints regarding the plot and character development. I just wish that it had an extended ending, I felt like the last scene of the book ended a bit abruptly and I wouldn’t have minded seeing more. I liked that Games of Command is a standalone novel and I feel like it’s a good introduction to Linnea Sinclair’s writing. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her. Recommended for fans of romantic sci-fi or space opera.
I’ve been meaning to try Linnea Sinclair’s books for a while now and I’m glad I was finally able to do so when I picked up Games of Command. There was a time when I felt that sci-fi isn’t really my thing because the worldbuilding tends to be more complicated that what I usually like. But then I loved Silent Blade and Silver Shark by Ilona Andrews and the Touchstone trilogy by Andrea K. Host so I’ve been wanting to explore the genre a bit more. Linnea Sinclair has been recommended by blogging buddies Angie and Janice and I’ve had her books on my TBR pile for ages. I was recently in the mood for sci-fi so I ignored the other three books I was in the middle of, bought the Kindle edition of Games of Command and promptly got sucked in by Linnea Sinclair’s writing.
I had a lot of fun reading Games of Command and I thought it was a good introduction to Linnea Sinclair’s work. I was so absorbed that I stayed up late to finish it. I have to admit that some of the terms and situations went over my head but I was fine with that, I felt like it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the novel. I think that will always be the case for me whenever I read certain space opera novels. I would rather go with the flow of the book instead of spend too much time trying to figure out the science and the mechanics of that particular book.
Going into this novel, I knew that it was romantic sci-fi so I was looking forward to the romance and I wasn’t disappointed. The book focused on two couples but I liked the main story arc, between Sass and Branden, more than the secondary one. Admiral Kel-Paten is a biocybe, half-human and half-machine, and he’s not supposed to develop romantic feelings. But due to some quirk, he fell in love with Sass even though they’re on opposite sides of a galactic war. When truce comes in the form of an alliance, Branden fights to have Sass by his side as the captain of his flagship. I liked seeing these two interact with each other and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold from their points of view. Branden is highly competent in his work but he's pretty clueless when it comes to human emotions. It was interesting to see his vulnerability and how he worked to build a relationship with Sass that goes beyond their professional connection. As for Sass, at first she was just concerned with keeping her secret past from Branden but then she grows to respect him during the months they work together. I found the slow burn romance between these two flawed characters sweet. Here's a snippet that I really liked:
"When she saw the scars, she understood. They weren't like Zanorian's thin affectations. These were knotty, full of pain and bad memories. Unpleasant. Best kept hidden.
She understood that too. She had scars. But hers were inside, while his were on the outside."
Games of Command is filled with action and adventure. I enjoyed the fast pace of the novel and have no complaints regarding the plot and character development. I just wish that it had an extended ending, I felt like the last scene of the book ended a bit abruptly and I wouldn’t have minded seeing more. I liked that Games of Command is a standalone novel and I feel like it’s a good introduction to Linnea Sinclair’s writing. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her. Recommended for fans of romantic sci-fi or space opera.
April 22, 2013
This book and I have a love-hate relationship. I adore Kel-Paten. I'm just a little in love with this figment of imagination and that is rare for me. There are maybe 3-5 romance novels I reread because I love the story or characters so much and this is one of them. It's also the only one that pisses me off to no end. I gave it 4 starts because what it gets right, it really gets right and I really do like it a lot.
What it got right. Kel-Paten and Sass. More notably Kel-Paten. This guy is not only a badass, but a very sympathetic one. I'm not rooting for Sass in this book, I'm rooting for Kel-Paten. He was my main POV character and that is also very unusual for a romance. But he's just so darn likable. He has been carrying a torch for Sass for years, and she has no clue. None. And by torch, I mean a small sun on a stick. This guy really LOVES this chick. And she's totally oblivious to the point were you could weep for the poor guy. And he has no idea how to handle it, how to talk to her or show her either and the why for that makes sense with-in the realm of the book.
Thankfully Sass isn't a stone bitch, she isn't whiny, she isn't annoying or stupid, just doesn't know this guy has the mega hots for her. She's smart, capable, snarky, assertive and makes rational decisions. And the Holy Grail of heroines, she does stuff! The plot doesn't just pull her around while she passively opines her life. She has an active role on making stuff happen.
But wow, when it does something wrong, it doesn't mess around. First problem, and I've seen this done in other romance novels too, and it's NEVER okay. You can only have ONE main romantic story. Don't follow the view points of two other people having some other love story in your romance. It just pisses the reader and they will likely skip that whole section just to get back to the main pair. I know I do. To make matters worse, there is NO TENSION at all in the second love story. None. Boring!
The rest of it was over the top, crazy as balls and in some ways that was fun and in others it was eye roll worthy, but since most romance novels are pretty eye roll worthy for the most part, it didn't bother me overtly. I'll put up with a lot more crap from a sci-fi romance than most others, though, so unless you are a sci-fi romance fan, you might have more trouble than I did with some of this.
In the end, I still like her stuff and this book was the first of hers I read and while it needs to be edited down by about 1/2, it's still a fun read, as are all of her books so far. They are fun, imaginative, full of humor and enjoyable.
What it got right. Kel-Paten and Sass. More notably Kel-Paten. This guy is not only a badass, but a very sympathetic one. I'm not rooting for Sass in this book, I'm rooting for Kel-Paten. He was my main POV character and that is also very unusual for a romance. But he's just so darn likable. He has been carrying a torch for Sass for years, and she has no clue. None. And by torch, I mean a small sun on a stick. This guy really LOVES this chick. And she's totally oblivious to the point were you could weep for the poor guy. And he has no idea how to handle it, how to talk to her or show her either and the why for that makes sense with-in the realm of the book.
Thankfully Sass isn't a stone bitch, she isn't whiny, she isn't annoying or stupid, just doesn't know this guy has the mega hots for her. She's smart, capable, snarky, assertive and makes rational decisions. And the Holy Grail of heroines, she does stuff! The plot doesn't just pull her around while she passively opines her life. She has an active role on making stuff happen.
But wow, when it does something wrong, it doesn't mess around. First problem, and I've seen this done in other romance novels too, and it's NEVER okay. You can only have ONE main romantic story. Don't follow the view points of two other people having some other love story in your romance. It just pisses the reader and they will likely skip that whole section just to get back to the main pair. I know I do. To make matters worse, there is NO TENSION at all in the second love story. None. Boring!
The rest of it was over the top, crazy as balls and in some ways that was fun and in others it was eye roll worthy, but since most romance novels are pretty eye roll worthy for the most part, it didn't bother me overtly. I'll put up with a lot more crap from a sci-fi romance than most others, though, so unless you are a sci-fi romance fan, you might have more trouble than I did with some of this.
In the end, I still like her stuff and this book was the first of hers I read and while it needs to be edited down by about 1/2, it's still a fun read, as are all of her books so far. They are fun, imaginative, full of humor and enjoyable.
May 25, 2016
I love Linnea Sinclair's books - all of them - but this is one of my very favorites. It's one I have to keep getting new copies of because I keep giving mine away to friends, acquaintances, perfect strangers [well, not really PERFECT strangers]. But when you have a book you love you just want to share...
Our heroine is Tasha Sebastian who lives in interesting times. She is currently the captain of a U-Cee huntership and a veteran of the recent war between the United Coalition and the Triad. But before that she had other names and other lives...
Our hero is Admiral Branden Kel-Paten, brilliant strategist, military leader and a human who has been altered physically, mentally and most of all cybernetically. He can interface directly with his ship and there are those who say "Tin Soldier" is more 'cybe than human. But they're wrong...
As part of the treaty, 'mixed' ships are being established and Kel-Paten has specifically requested Tasha for his first officer. Thus begin the games of command; why did he ask for her, what does he want?
Enter a second plot starring the empathic best friend of Tasha, Doctor Eden Fynn, and Jace Serafino, renegade Nasyry priest, telepath, and all round rogue. Kel-Paten would like to squeeze every drop of information out of Serafino personally.
And then there are the furzels, Tank and Reilly. They are rather cat-like in nature with some VERY special abilities. Even more special than their humans, Tasha and Eden, know because they can identify the truly evil creatures which they simply call 'Bad Things'. They know the Bad Things are watching their people and resolve to protect them...
Her world building is consistently outstanding and the world of Games of Command is no exception. The poignancy of Kel-Paten's love and the utter wrongness of what was done to him grab your heart. Tight, page-turning plot, great characters [and her aliens are outstanding] and dialog that grabs you - it is a must read.
Associated short stories:
Seven Months of Forever from The Mammoth Book of Futuristic Romance
Mission: Nam Selan from Tales From the SFR Brigade
Our heroine is Tasha Sebastian who lives in interesting times. She is currently the captain of a U-Cee huntership and a veteran of the recent war between the United Coalition and the Triad. But before that she had other names and other lives...
Our hero is Admiral Branden Kel-Paten, brilliant strategist, military leader and a human who has been altered physically, mentally and most of all cybernetically. He can interface directly with his ship and there are those who say "Tin Soldier" is more 'cybe than human. But they're wrong...
As part of the treaty, 'mixed' ships are being established and Kel-Paten has specifically requested Tasha for his first officer. Thus begin the games of command; why did he ask for her, what does he want?
Enter a second plot starring the empathic best friend of Tasha, Doctor Eden Fynn, and Jace Serafino, renegade Nasyry priest, telepath, and all round rogue. Kel-Paten would like to squeeze every drop of information out of Serafino personally.
And then there are the furzels, Tank and Reilly. They are rather cat-like in nature with some VERY special abilities. Even more special than their humans, Tasha and Eden, know because they can identify the truly evil creatures which they simply call 'Bad Things'. They know the Bad Things are watching their people and resolve to protect them...
Her world building is consistently outstanding and the world of Games of Command is no exception. The poignancy of Kel-Paten's love and the utter wrongness of what was done to him grab your heart. Tight, page-turning plot, great characters [and her aliens are outstanding] and dialog that grabs you - it is a must read.
Associated short stories:
Seven Months of Forever from The Mammoth Book of Futuristic Romance
Mission: Nam Selan from Tales From the SFR Brigade
June 29, 2017
The romance between the two main characters is a slow burner. It slowly starts to build into friendship but just as it's going somewhere the focus of the story shifts. Tasha suddenly and for no reason I could see goes from feeling like she is sort of, almost friends with Kel-Patel to being head over heels in love with him.
The rest of the book is about the evil faction and their fight against them. Unfortunately this side of the story just isn't done well enough to carry the book. The 'bad guys' are two-dimensional and stereotypical, and the science is taken straight from Star Trek. As in this could be Star Trek fan fiction it's so similar.
The big information dumps were hard to get through and the romance between the secondary characters unnecessary. Insta-love at it's most unbelievable! The furzels were irritating. Fun for a bit, but far too much of them.
Despite all the problems that this book has, and the fact that I skimmed the last few chapters, I actually did enjoy reading it. Kel-Paten and his hidden love for Tasha is just lovely, and Tasha herself is funny, smart, and interesting to read. I just wish there was more of the scenes between these two, and less of the other characters and the confusing plot.
I've read a couple of books by Linnea Sinclair before, and I've already downloaded another one to read. They are a bit daft but I can't help myself. Definitely a guilty pleasure!
The rest of the book is about the evil faction and their fight against them. Unfortunately this side of the story just isn't done well enough to carry the book. The 'bad guys' are two-dimensional and stereotypical, and the science is taken straight from Star Trek. As in this could be Star Trek fan fiction it's so similar.
The big information dumps were hard to get through and the romance between the secondary characters unnecessary. Insta-love at it's most unbelievable! The furzels were irritating. Fun for a bit, but far too much of them.
Despite all the problems that this book has, and the fact that I skimmed the last few chapters, I actually did enjoy reading it. Kel-Paten and his hidden love for Tasha is just lovely, and Tasha herself is funny, smart, and interesting to read. I just wish there was more of the scenes between these two, and less of the other characters and the confusing plot.
I've read a couple of books by Linnea Sinclair before, and I've already downloaded another one to read. They are a bit daft but I can't help myself. Definitely a guilty pleasure!
June 18, 2008
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I was hesitant about this sub-genre (science fiction romance a la Star Trek instead of my prefered contemporary fantasy vampires/werewolves), but this author is a regular participant on the paranormal romance goodreads group, and this book won an award, so I wanted to give it a try.
I'm glad I did! The writing was witty and fun. The plot suspenseful and well-woven, without resorting to horror/gore. (Many urban fantasy writers go the horror route, which I tolerate, but don't like.) The two romances in this book were both slow builds with only a couple sex scenes, and even most of those were "off camera". I also felt comfortable jumping in at this book - which seems to be well into the series. I didn't get lost in the terms and characters, even without the background. I hate reading a series out of order, but I don't know that it mattered in this case.
I recommend this book if you have any sort of interest in paranormal romance or science fiction.
I'm glad I did! The writing was witty and fun. The plot suspenseful and well-woven, without resorting to horror/gore. (Many urban fantasy writers go the horror route, which I tolerate, but don't like.) The two romances in this book were both slow builds with only a couple sex scenes, and even most of those were "off camera". I also felt comfortable jumping in at this book - which seems to be well into the series. I didn't get lost in the terms and characters, even without the background. I hate reading a series out of order, but I don't know that it mattered in this case.
I recommend this book if you have any sort of interest in paranormal romance or science fiction.
July 1, 2025
I've been really disappointed lately with what constitutes sci-fi romance these days. I'm just not interested in alien fated mates or intergalactic dating agencies. So when I ran across Linnea Sinclair in a reddit thread, I knew I had to track down some of her old work. Games of Command was exactly what I like. It's space opera with intergalactic alliances, cyborgs, telepathy, different humanoid races working together, etc. Although I could have done without the talking cat like critters that sounded like toddlers.
Lieutenant Tasha Sebastian is not who she seems. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten might be a traitor. These two start the book on a collision course of potential betrayal and heartbreak. And I loved every minute of it. I loved that Kel-Paten was confident in his job, in his duties, and in his abilities. But when it comes to love, he falls first and he falls hard. Tasha is also confident in herself and her abilities, especially when it comes to relationships and hook-ups. She's quick to sense his cues and his inexperience and takes charge without making him uncomfortable with himself. It's a perfect swap from the usual romances where he's alpha and she's innocent and I loved it.
Third act breakup! It works here because the plot is careening toward that inevitability. And it works without selling the characters short or making them seem stupid or unable to communicate. They do communicate! They just don't trust! And it's so perfect!
And lastly, there's a secondary romance! Two romances for the price of one!
Oh and the book was 525 pages and never dragged. Because we have a galaxy ending plot too!
Honestly, I love Linnea Sinclair already. I want to read more of her stuff.
Lieutenant Tasha Sebastian is not who she seems. Admiral Branden Kel-Paten might be a traitor. These two start the book on a collision course of potential betrayal and heartbreak. And I loved every minute of it. I loved that Kel-Paten was confident in his job, in his duties, and in his abilities. But when it comes to love, he falls first and he falls hard. Tasha is also confident in herself and her abilities, especially when it comes to relationships and hook-ups. She's quick to sense his cues and his inexperience and takes charge without making him uncomfortable with himself. It's a perfect swap from the usual romances where he's alpha and she's innocent and I loved it.
Third act breakup! It works here because the plot is careening toward that inevitability. And it works without selling the characters short or making them seem stupid or unable to communicate. They do communicate! They just don't trust! And it's so perfect!
And lastly, there's a secondary romance! Two romances for the price of one!
Oh and the book was 525 pages and never dragged. Because we have a galaxy ending plot too!
Honestly, I love Linnea Sinclair already. I want to read more of her stuff.
December 11, 2018
4 stars (almost 4.5)
I really enjoyed this. Plenty of action, cool characters and the pets not only steal the show but managed to be the heroes, saving the main characters I don't know how many times.
This is quite a long book, from what I understand started as a serial and was initially published with a cliffhanger. Games of Command was the revised and condensed version.
The main pair is Admiral Branden Kel-Paten and Captain Tasha “Sass” Sebastian. They fought on opposite side before the peace Alliance, but Branden has been in love with Tasha since the first time they clashed in space. The problem is Branden is a bio-cyborg created by the Psy-Serv agency and shouldn't have any feelings. Tasha also has a secret past as an undercover agent not in the official files. But after the Alliance was established, Branden had Tasha reassigned to his flagship Vaxxar to start his "wooing".
The second pair is Dr Eden Frynn and Jace Serafino. Eden is an empath and Sass's best friend and was transferred at the same time. Their first assignment on Vaxxar was to find wanted rebel Jace Serafino. But Jace turned out to have an acrimonious history with Tin Soldier (Branden) and knows about Sass's past. Furthermore, he has information that could break the Alliance apart. And he also has special abilities being inhibited by an implant forced on him by Psy-Serv that Eden managed to disable.
By far the best pair is the furzel (cat like) pets of Sass (Tank) and Eden (Reilly). Reilly is the adult and Tank a juvenile but their telepathic and teleportation skills managed to save the day many times over. They managed to steal all the scenes! Love them!
I wished there were more adventures by these guys. Sci-fi soap opera at its best!
I really enjoyed this. Plenty of action, cool characters and the pets not only steal the show but managed to be the heroes, saving the main characters I don't know how many times.
This is quite a long book, from what I understand started as a serial and was initially published with a cliffhanger. Games of Command was the revised and condensed version.
The main pair is Admiral Branden Kel-Paten and Captain Tasha “Sass” Sebastian. They fought on opposite side before the peace Alliance, but Branden has been in love with Tasha since the first time they clashed in space. The problem is Branden is a bio-cyborg created by the Psy-Serv agency and shouldn't have any feelings. Tasha also has a secret past as an undercover agent not in the official files. But after the Alliance was established, Branden had Tasha reassigned to his flagship Vaxxar to start his "wooing".
The second pair is Dr Eden Frynn and Jace Serafino. Eden is an empath and Sass's best friend and was transferred at the same time. Their first assignment on Vaxxar was to find wanted rebel Jace Serafino. But Jace turned out to have an acrimonious history with Tin Soldier (Branden) and knows about Sass's past. Furthermore, he has information that could break the Alliance apart. And he also has special abilities being inhibited by an implant forced on him by Psy-Serv that Eden managed to disable.
By far the best pair is the furzel (cat like) pets of Sass (Tank) and Eden (Reilly). Reilly is the adult and Tank a juvenile but their telepathic and teleportation skills managed to save the day many times over. They managed to steal all the scenes! Love them!
I wished there were more adventures by these guys. Sci-fi soap opera at its best!
September 10, 2015
Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair is a fun space romp which was an entertaining read with many good parts and some that made me round down my initial 3.5 rating.
The good - the space setting was interesting and I enjoyed Tasha's interactions with her best friend and CMO Eden. Their solid friendship felt real. I also liked their furtzel pets, which were more comic relief than anything else at first but actually turned out to be pretty awesome.
The not so good - two major issues. My first issue is that the secondary couple got almost more romance development and page time than the main couple. Good for secondary couple but bad for the overall balance of the book, imo. Compared to the strong development of the secondary couple, the main romance felt almost lacking. Also, I am a sucker for the "love from afar"/"I have loved you forever" trope but
The writing was pretty decent (the action-packed bits with spaceship fights were my favourite), except towards the end where everything just felt rather messy and I did not like the author's frequent 'Fino and 'cybe. The abbreviations were fine, the constant apostrophes denoting said abbreviations were not. I found them to be rather redundant and a bit clunky while reading.
Total rating: three stars and I will probably pick up some more works by the author because I quite like the space romance genre.
The good - the space setting was interesting and I enjoyed Tasha's interactions with her best friend and CMO Eden. Their solid friendship felt real. I also liked their furtzel pets, which were more comic relief than anything else at first but actually turned out to be pretty awesome.
The not so good - two major issues. My first issue is that the secondary couple got almost more romance development and page time than the main couple. Good for secondary couple but bad for the overall balance of the book, imo. Compared to the strong development of the secondary couple, the main romance felt almost lacking. Also, I am a sucker for the "love from afar"/"I have loved you forever" trope but
The writing was pretty decent (the action-packed bits with spaceship fights were my favourite), except towards the end where everything just felt rather messy and I did not like the author's frequent 'Fino and 'cybe. The abbreviations were fine, the constant apostrophes denoting said abbreviations were not. I found them to be rather redundant and a bit clunky while reading.
Total rating: three stars and I will probably pick up some more works by the author because I quite like the space romance genre.
August 23, 2008
Wow, the books by this author are addictive. I read one and three weeks later I was halfway through her backlist. As with the rest of the books, there's a lot of action, space fights, and cool technology bandied about. I always enjoy the world building. I also have noted that each of the books so far seem to be in their own universe (or part of the universe) - I haven't seen overlapping names of governments, religions, or races yet. Unless I missed one. There are common things in terms of characters using coding skill to hack into computers or ship mainframes, or being brilliant at fixing a dying spaceship on the fly. I love reading those bits. In this book we also see more than one romance - it's two parallel romances. The center one was Sass and Kel-paten's, and I prefered that one out of the two. Probably because of the comparison of Kel-paten's experience in his worklife compared to the utter lack of experience he has with personal matters. It made his personality strangely vunerable and endeering to read. At times I felt like *wincing* because he was so out of his element trying to deal with Sass and his feelings. The author's website says Games of Command starts of in a similar way to her book Command Performance (part one of a series, but the rest was never published), but most of it is new. And out of all the three books read so far (this, Gabriel's Ghost and Finder's Keepers), this is my favorite.
More on my book blog http://janicu.livejournal.com/25470.html
More on my book blog http://janicu.livejournal.com/25470.html
September 3, 2010
I bailed about a quarter of the way through this novel. I just could not take it any more. This rather silly, overblown blend of science fiction and romance managed to call up the biggest mistakes of both genres. Two couples form the relationship tangles, one being the captain of a starship, Tasha (or Sass), and her boss, Admiral Kel-Paten, a biocybe, half-human, half-machine, and the other the ship's CMO Eden Flynn and a renegade pirate with 'hidden' psychic powers. Oh, yeah, and the furzels -- read cats. Not to mention yoda-esque characters that can't string together a sentence, much less a coherent thought, slang that is cutesy cursing, lots of scenery chewing, and nothing happening in the first hundred pages.
Gag. The heroine is a Mary-Sue -- after all, she's beautiful, loved by everyone, and possessed of every skill and talent known to mankind and alien. The hero is more worried about getting reprogrammed than getting the heroine hustled into bed for a good nailing, and the other couple -- well, he's in a coma having seizures and still hasn't woken up yet.
This is bad. Very bad. If you want good space opera with healthy doses of romance to spice it up, read Lois McMaster Bujold. This is just lousy space soap opera. Move right along...
Gag. The heroine is a Mary-Sue -- after all, she's beautiful, loved by everyone, and possessed of every skill and talent known to mankind and alien. The hero is more worried about getting reprogrammed than getting the heroine hustled into bed for a good nailing, and the other couple -- well, he's in a coma having seizures and still hasn't woken up yet.
This is bad. Very bad. If you want good space opera with healthy doses of romance to spice it up, read Lois McMaster Bujold. This is just lousy space soap opera. Move right along...
November 9, 2018
A fun romp through space. Games of Command is a nice novel, but it felt formulaic at times. I have just finished Finders Keepers and I can't avoid to notice the repeating points that have in common: half cyborg hero, a Romeo and Juliet setting (as in enemies in love), a past that one of the two has to hide, a traitor in the government, and so on.
Still, to Ms Sinclair's merit, all this did not diminish that much my pleasure in reading the book.
Readers' beware: there are talking ferrets in this story (I know, they are probably cats.... I kept imaging ferrets though). You know this is NOT Science Fiction, but a minor, funny sci-fi romance.
Still, to Ms Sinclair's merit, all this did not diminish that much my pleasure in reading the book.
Readers' beware: there are talking ferrets in this story (I know, they are probably cats.... I kept imaging ferrets though). You know this is NOT Science Fiction, but a minor, funny sci-fi romance.
September 25, 2016
Really liked both the hero and the heroine but I didn't buy into the romance. The hero has been in love with the heroine forever and then one day someone flips a switchand tada! The heroine is in love too! The secondary romance, was pure insta-love, which doen't always work for me. While the romance aspects were lacking, the sf aspect really worked for me. Lots of action going on. If I hadn't read Gabriel's Ghost first, I'd probably have liked this more. So 3.5 stars rounded up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews