The first Cheryl Brooks novel I read was Warrior and I have to admit, I wasn’t all that impressed. However, I always give an author a second chance because you never know if that one novel was a lemon. I am so glad I did, because I just finished her third installment in her Cat Star Chronicles, Rogue, and I really enjoyed it.
Trag and Tychar are brothers sold into slavery when their planet was destroyed. Their race carries a feline gene, giving them sinuous beauty and extraordinary sexual powers. Tychar’s female conquests are legendary, but they never meant much to him, and Trag just laughs at his playboy brother. Living on Darconia, a planet of friendly but unattractive lizards, neither has been with a woman in many years. When the queen hires Kyra Aramis, a human from Earth, to teach piano to her children, Trag and Tychar agree to share the female and set out to win her over…
But suddenly Tychar becomes possessive – Kyra is unlike any woman he’s ever known. But he’s sure he’s ruined any chance of her trusting him with her heart…
The one thing I had against Warrior (here’s my review), was that it seemed off balanced – I’m not against a lot of romantic development, but I like my plot spread out a little better. That, I am happy to say, is not the case with Rogue. This time around we’re given a story that is engaging and has characters you want to know more about. Seriously, Brooks has given the Darconians an interesting culture and the obvious discontent relating to some of their new progressive ideas. Of course, this is all occuring in the background of the blossoming relationship between Kyra and Tychar, but the two elements were intermingled well and I was never bogged down with lots of sex or lots of plot.
The developlment of Kyra and Tychar wasn’t that deep, but it wasn’t required. We were able to learn more about these two based on their actions than in any retelling of their backgrounds. I really liked the focus on the two getting to know each, and essentially allowing us to know them, instead of being told this has happened in their past. Their relationship also wasn’t automatic. Kyra did balked at first about it, but we were able to see Tychar move himself into her way and I enjoyed it.
Overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed Rogue and while Warrior didn’t make me want to go out and find Slave (the first Cat Star Chronciles novel), Rogue has made me curious about the story behind Jack and Cark (since they also appear at the end of Rogue as well as Leo and Tisana from Warrior). If you’re looking for an erotic science fiction novel, then take a look at Rogue by Cheryl Brooks.
Read Order:
Slave
Warrior
Rogue
Outcast (6/1/09)
Fugitive (October 2009)
I’ve heard of this series but just wasn’t sure that it was my thing. Now I’m thinking that I might have to give it a try. Great review!
Actually, I loved ‘Warrior’, I found it to be funny, erotic, romantic, good escape. I’m reading “Rogue” now. I love Tychar and Trag. Cheryl is a smart, and very talented author. And is becoming my new favorite Paranormal author.
You don’t forget her characters.
I recommend her books.
Haven’t read this one yet, but I probably will. The excerpt from it that was in Warrior sounded quite good. I liked Slave, however the heroine was a bit annoying with her business-like, determined way. I preferred Tisana.
Is there any menage in Rogue? It sure sounds like it from the blurb. If so, please let me know. I don’t dilike that, but I need to be mentally prepared, :-).