"A Space station commander and a goddess -- Destiny with a twist in an action-packed story"
"Protect and Defend" was the promise that Sorcerer Rothal-
kiar and Kiasidera Lady Khamsin made to the people of
Khalar. Thousands of years later, after a battle in
Riftspace that saved the Kahlaran, Raheiran Special Forces
Captain Gillaine Davre finds herself awakening in sick bay
and her crystalship SIMON (Sentient Integrated MObile
Nanoessence) is also injured. Such is not unexpected after
battle, but what is a shock is that 342 years have passed
and they cannot explain how it happened. The Raheiran policy of minimal intervention was strict; so
Gillie is appalled to find that one the results of her
success in the battle against the Fav'lhir was that the
Kahlaran made her a Goddess. Time and legend had rewritten
what she'd done and although it goes against her nature to
lie, the truth would destroy their culture. At all cost
she must keep her true identity a secret. Admiral Rynan "Make It Right" Makarian, Commander of the
5th Fleet on Cirrus One Space Station was having enough
troubles without having to solve the dilemma of what to do
with an unidentified freighter and captain. Mack cannot
seem to fight the attraction developing and although he
feels Gillie is a gift from the Goddess, he cannot afford
to be distracted. There are many things needing his
undivided attention in order to refit the station in time
for the Chancellors inspection. As events unfold, Gillie begins to wonder if her being in
this time was not a happenstance but destiny. After her
destruction of the Fav mageline hundreds of years ago, who
but she would believe they were again to be attacked by
wizards and sorcerers in starships? No one but Kiasidera
could prevent the Fav'lhir from destroying the Kahlar but
to use her powers, she would have to show her true
identity. The truth could destroy not only the Kahlaran
culture, but also Mack's trust and growing love. ACCIDENTAL GODDESS is an exhilarating mix of magic and
science fiction within an action-packed tale of good vs.
evil. Both Gillie and Rynan (Mack) are strong, dedicated
and commanding personalities sharing many of the same
values. Destiny has brought them together to "Protect and
Defend" - each in their own way and often working behind
the scenes. As their love and work bring them together,
they learn that each has their unique strengths although as
Kiasidera, Gillie is a bit more unique. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and was drawn into the
plans and problems on Cirrus One. Ms Baker's use of subtle
humor and sassy comments adds an irreverent and
entertaining aspect to space station politics and religion.
This story integrated reality and fantasy that will be
easily understood on both the intellectual as well as the
emotional level. The parrots were an unexpected but
interesting addition to the station. As for SIMON, I do
hope we will be seeing more of him and his adventures, even
if he must "put a sock in it". Although not necessary as the Fav'lhir and evil mages are
clearly defined in ACCIDENTAL GODDESS, you may wish to read
WINTERTIDE which is the story of Rothal-kiar and Lady
Khamsin and an explanation of the magelines.
Courtesy:
eBOOKISLE
Reviewed by Cy Korte
Posted August 30, 2002
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