space opera

Another uproarious journey through space with the lovably flawed crew of La Sirena Negra.

This fast-paced sequel to the critically acclaimed Chilling Effect delivers a perfect blend of humor, heart, and intergalactic mayhem.

Captain Eva Innocente, accompanied by her eclectic crew and their psychic cats, once again finds herself entangled in the chaos of a covert war at the outer edges of inhabited space. The story kicks off when Eva’s sister seeks her help in locating a missing scientist, promising not only a hefty payday but also a cause worthy of their attention. Despite lingering trust issues, Eva decides to embark on the mission, setting the stage for a wild adventure across the cosmos.

What makes Prime Deceptions shine is the ensemble cast of characters, each with their unique quirks and lovable flaws. Valdes masterfully captures the camaraderie of the La Sirena Negra crew, making them feel like a dysfunctional yet endearing family. The humor is a constant companion throughout the narrative, providing moments of levity even in the face of danger.

The plot takes the crew from a convention filled with eccentric costumes to a perilous bot-fighting arena, showcasing Valdes’ skill in creating diverse and vibrant settings. The narrative crescendos with a return to Garilia, a place evoking Eva’s past failures and haunting memories. This backdrop adds depth to the story, as Eva must confront her own demons while navigating a rebellion in paradise.

Eva’s journey is not just a space romp but a compelling exploration of redemption and growth. The author weaves Eva’s personal struggles seamlessly into the overarching plot, allowing readers to connect with her on a more profound level.

While Prime Deceptions is undeniably a fun and entertaining read, it also touches on themes of trust, forgiveness, and the consequences of one’s actions. The world-building remains stellar, with Valdes painting a vivid picture of the universe, complete with psychic creatures, surveillance technology, and lush landscapes.

I definitely recommend this one. Here’s the blurb:

The lovably flawed crew of La Sirena Negra and their psychic cats return in this fast-paced and outrageously fun science fiction novel, in which they confront past failures and face new threats in the far reaches of space from the author of the critically acclaimed Chilling Effect.

Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra find themselves once again on the fringe of populated space – and at the center of a raging covert war. When Eva’s sister asks for help locating a missing scientist, promises of a big paycheck and a noble cause convince Eva to take the job despite lingering trust issues.

With reluctant assistance from her estranged mother, Eva and her crew follow the missing scientist’s trail across the universe, from the costume-filled halls of a never-ending convention to a dangerous bot-fighting arena. They ultimately find themselves at the last place Eva wants to see again – Garilia – where she experienced her most shameful and haunting failure. To complete her mission and get paid, Eva must navigate a paradise embroiled in a rebellion, where massive forests and pristine beaches hide psychic creatures and pervasive surveillance technology. Can she find her quarry while avoiding the oppressive local regime, or will she be doomed to repeat past mistakes when her dark deeds come to light?