"Another pawn bites the dust in Cherry's latest intergalactic chess match"
Having attempted to assassinate the Tiger Prince
Tarrant-Arragon, the undercover Saurian rebel Commander
Jason must die. However through a benevolence inspired by
his consort Djinni-vera, Tarrant-Arragon had been decided
that Prince Djetthro-Jason would live, to face a punishment
that he decreed was "a fate worse than death," marriage to
his younger sister Martia-Djulia. Martia-Julia had developed a passion for "Commander Jason"
during the Virgin Ball, a celebration of Tarrant-Arragon's
formal wedding to Djinni. A failed attempt to disgrace the
Tiger Prince had incited Jasons rut-rage, with Martia-Julia
being the grateful recipient. The marriage would get
Martia-Julia out of her brother's hair with the added
benefit of the possibility of royal Djinn heirs. After all
royal Djinn were scarce and Tarrant-Arragon's progeny would
someday require suitable mates. Of course since Commander Jason is supposed to be dead,
Martia-Julia cannot be told of her royal bridegroom's
alter-ego. While undergoing surgery for injuries acquired in
the battle over Djinni-vera, all disguises and
distinguishing marks are removed from Djetthro-Jason. Well
all but one, which he'd refused to disclose, a very
distinctive tattoo on his privates. Jetth's resemblance to
his royal cousin is now strong but he is no longer
recognizable as Jason. What a dilemma! Though Martia-Julia's obsession and
Djetthro-Jason are one in the same man, her new bridegroom
was going to have a difficult time winning her over. After
all his was a tough act to follow. He should know. Martia-Djulia who came off as rather grasping and pathetic
in FORCED MATE, comes into her own in INSUFFICIENT MATING
MATERIAL. Described as a bitchy "ultimate fashionista", she
is furious with her brother for depriving her of the only
man who'd ever been capable of turning her on. Gaunt and
bald, the substitute is nothing like her Jason. She sees no
option other than to flee the Mating ceremony. Ever fond of the intricate movements of the game of chess,
Tarrant-Arragon is not about to be thwarted and the unhappy
couple soon find themselves maroon on a (conveniently well
stocked) deserted island together. Now it's Jetth's turn to
play the game. Will he have the moves to win over his queen? It's not going to be easy. Jetth's wits are sorely tested,
although Martia-Julia cannot help being secretly intrigued
by him. Things get really sticky when other, not so
benevolent, relations decide to factor into the game. But
not to worry, the pair has several power players watching
their backs. Too much fun! With considerable wit and many surprising
twists INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL quickly captivates its
audience. Readers will soon find themselves completely
caught up in the game play. Who will be the
Tarrant-Arragon's next pawn? The final scene sets the stage
for the next game. One sister down and one to go...but wait,
big sister Electra-Djerroldina is already strategically
married to an alien ally! Stay tuned to see how the wicked
chessmaster frees this queen in KNIGHT'S FORK. [FYI: Insufficient mating material is a chess term
meaning
neither player has the ability to checkmate the other which
is where Tarrant-Arragon and Jetth stand with each other.
Now imagine the connotation Martia-Julia would put on this
expression if heard out of context. This should give you a
good idea of what the poor man is up against.]
Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch
Posted October 6, 2008
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