The Claiming Of Moira Shine

On an Earth that has deteriorated from pollution, and that is rampant with disease, people struggle to scrape by in order to survive. Moira is a weaver in a poor area of town. Her life has been filled with the loss of loved ones.

Frighteningly, she finds herself and all of the others in her area captured by alien beings intending to auction them off as slaves. She is not complacent, however, and attempts escape resulting in the death of a guard. Her fate seems sealed and she is scheduled to be destroyed.

Her striking red hair saves her from death but leads her to something that she finds a less palatable alternative. Lord Marin, purchases her and tries to turn her into a well behaved sex slave by addicting her in the way that the Kinnain males can to beings other than their own…with his seed. This is met by Moira’s attempt at suicide, news of which, if leaked to those around him could ruin his reputation and standing.

Anath Miritis, the King’s Advisor and Master Spy, agrees to take the female into his care relieving her previous owner of all rights and responsibilities. He then offers her a position to surreptitiously help him be eyes and ears around the palace. In return, she will have freedom in truth though she must play the slave in public.

We are given a strong and intelligent woman in this story. Moira is an impressive heroine in her attempts to thwart her captors and the man who would enslave her. It is with relief that we discover that she will have a choice to escape the fate that has befallen the many who have come under the care of Kinnain males.

Anath is from the southern regions of the planet. They have a reputation for being barbaric in many things. He is also an honorable man with the burden of doing what he can for the benefit of the greater good of their people. Watching his love for Moira overtake him was moving and seeing his care to earn and keep her trust is delightful.

The premise of the book could have been a pitfall into displays of gratuitous sex that would diminish the story. Ms Everaux instead came up with a fast-paced story with plenty of intrigue, well-developed characters, a touching romance, and fiery sex scenes between hero and heroine.

There were a couple of small details about the world that was a bit inconsistent and an important tradition in the alien culture seemed contrived and more for shock value to the reader than necessary. But, all in all, this was a book that grabbed the attention and held on for the duration.

One will want to read more works from this author.

Readers should be warned that there is a rape scene and some graphic violence in this story.

June 2007