New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep blasts off with an exciting new science-fiction fantasy adventure with a dash of historical romance. This action-packed space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soul mates and enemies-to-lovers story. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice.
A WOMAN WHO SEES EVERYTHING . . .
Few people know the name Vesper Quill. To most folks, I’m just a lowly lab rat who designs brewmakers and other household appliances in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. But when I point out a design flaw and a safety hazard in the new line of Kent Corp spaceships, everyone knows who I am—and wants to eliminate me.
I might be a seer with a photographic memory, but I don’t see the trouble headed my way until it’s too late. Suddenly, I’m surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.
I don’t think things can get any worse until I meet Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord who insists that we have a connection, one that could be the death of us both.
A MAN WHO CAN’T FORGET HIS PAST . . .
The name Kyrion Caldaren strikes fear in the hearts of people across the Archipelago Galaxy. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’m used to being a villain, as well as the personal assassin of Lord Callus Holloway. Even the wealthy Regals who live on the planet of Corios are afraid of me.
But everything changes when I meet Vesper Quill. I might be a powerful psion with telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities, but Vesper sees far too many of my secrets.
Thanks to an arcane, unwanted quirk of psionic magic, the two of us are forced to work together to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and outwit the deadly enemies who want to bend us to their will.
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Review
A few weeks ago I was offered a chance to read ONLY BAD OPTIONS. I read the first chapter and thought, “This is so good.” And then I put it down, because we had to write the Innkeeper, and Ruby Fever was coming out, and Tapas comic was coming out, and… Yeah.
ONLY BAD OPTIONS came out this Tuesday, and I was going to read it in the release week so I could tell you about it. I cracked it open again late last night, read two chapters, and then I said, “Not tonight, Satan” because I knew if I read one more sentence, I would not get any sleep at all. So through the superhuman effort of will, I shut down my iPad, and then I read the book this morning, before brushing my teeth or getting dressed. Like a reasonable adult.
You know how you read a really good book and you’re slightly high afterward? This is not going to be a measured review in any way. Weeee!
Okay, so this is soap opera at its finest. There are both tech and magic in this universe. It’s not sword and planet, it’s sword and spaceship. For the older readers, this is the same genre as Deathstalker by Simon Green. For the younger readers, this is Dune without the gravitas, with more romance. This is my catnip genre, I love it!
In this galaxy there are several powers. This is explained really well so here is a quote:
The Imperium, led by Lord Callus Holloway, who was supported by the other noble families, collectively called the Regals, was one of the major ruling forces in the Archipelago Galaxy, along with the slightly less powerful Techwave and the Erzton. Each group controlled and focused on a different area. The Imperium dealt in magic, genetics, and bloodlines, while the Techwave eschewed such arcane things in favor of cutting-edge technology, experiments, and weapons. The Erzton maintained a neutral stance, selling minerals, wood, and other raw materials to both the Imperium and the Techwave, as well as to other wealthy organizations and individuals. Basically, the three groups boiled down to magic, tech, and minerals, although they would all happily use whatever they could get their hands on to acquire more wealth, weapons, power, and resources.
Estep, Jennifer. Only Bad Options: A Galactic Bonds book (p. 13). Kindle Edition.
So you have Imperium, which are wizards with swords and spaceships and Techwave, which are cyborgs and mechanically augmented people with advanced weaponry and spaceships. The two are duking it out while Erzton happily supplies both.
Vesper Quill works for one of the Regal families, loyal to Imperium. She is a lab rat and she has spelltech magic. She’s basically a magically guided engineer. She can fix just about anything. She doesn’t know who her father is. Her mother abandoned her at an early age. Her boss is her ex-boyfriend and she hates him with a passion of ten thousand suns.
Anyway, one of the family’s new experimental warships crashes, and Vesper is part of the team tasked with figuring out why. The official story is pilot error. The official story is very wrong. Vesper finds things people don’t want her to find and then she ends up on the front lines. Where she runs into Kyrion Caldaren.
Kyrion is a sexy Darth Vader. Sword, woo-woo powers, high body count, etc, Kyrion is trapped in the very top echelon of Imperium power. He is reviled because he supposedly murdered his own father, but Emperor Holloway, who is an asshole of colossal proportions, made him into the head of elite strike troops. Kyrion’s mission in life to kill Holloway, preferably in the most painful way possible.
They meet. They cannot be together. Slooooow buuuuurn…
This is my new favorite thing. You have space battles and psionic powers, and there is a ton of competence porn, because Vesper can fix anything, and there is court intrigue, and the whole confused bloodlines thing. I love it. I’m going to be insufferable until I get the next one. In fact once I’m done here, I’m going to Jennifer’s Facebook to pester her.
In an effort to insert some objectivity into the review: I’ve met Jennifer before in real life and we follow each other on social media. As always, your mileage may vary. Please read an excerpt. I take no responsibility for my recommendation because this is my favorite type of story in my favorite genre. You are on your own.
Oooh, I will say this, it does start kind of slow, but it takes off like a rocket shortly after, so I would give it a couple of chapters. The best way to read this is to not overcomplicate it with trying to figure out how tech and magic work together. Just accept it and go with the flow. It’s a sci-fantasy.
And I went to Jennifer’s sit and there is no excerpt. You might have to go to Amazon and read using the Look Inside Feature.
And this concludes this incoherent review. I’m off to go nag Jennifer about the sequel.
PS. Please do not recommend other authors on this thread. This is the celebration of Jennifer Estep’s new work. Thank you!
I feel much better about this mad impulse purchase now. I saw the blurb on a forthcoming books article a little while back and pre-ordered based solely on that – it felt a little bit Bujold and hit lots of YES bells. Was a bit surprised and guilty (forgot I splurged) on Tuesday when I got the Amazon email and haven’t got round to reading it yet.
I’d sort of heard of Jennifer Estep in an I’ve-got-a-series-starter-book-somewhere waiting to be read one day, kind of way, but this sounds much more appealing.
Deathstalker you say? Very exciting, but surely should be the other way round with Dune a reference for still older readers; I’m sure that was around when I was a child – I never could get into it. Simon R. Green though – he took me on a merry old chase in my teens, still got the hefty old paperbacks lurking around somewhere. So I guess Deathstalker not for youngsters either actually. Now I feel old. Le sigh ????
Dune is experiencing a surge in popularity at the moment because of the recent 2021 adaptation 🙂
Now I feel both old and out of touch ????
I just got the audio based on the recommendation of another author’s blog posting where he says really nice things about mashing of genres with a lot of words from Jennifer Estep. And I knew HA had the book and audible was having a sale so I’m the proud owner of said book.
Thank you.
I’m so glad you like it too. I just finished it and am already jonesing for the next one. I didn’t know what I was going to do after the Spider series, but now I do 🙂
Loved Only Bad Options. Can’t wait for the next book.
Thanks for the recommendation. I was looking for something else to read while waiting for innkeeper and have already read Ruby 3 times. The synopsis seems to be in my wheelhouse.
Hmm… I saw a couple other mentions this week that left me “meh,” but I might have to check it out now.
Sounds kind of same genre as the Kinsmen stories?
Yes and no.
Ilona and Gordon debated this a bit during the Fated Blades release Q&A, but it’s slightly different sub genres. Kinsmen is a planetary SF while OBO is a classic space opera. The traditional definition of Space Opera states that there must be empires, space ships, and magic 🙂
My eyes opened wide at the mention of Deathstalker – I love that series. So now I am off to buy and Thank You Very Much! 🙂
Even your reviews are awesome. You had me at “Not tonight, Satan”. I know EXACTLY what you mean and I succumb way too often ????
Off to go find my copy and happy nagging!
I have just started reading it. Her other new series, section 47, is pretty fun as well
+1
+1
Definite +1
I fully agree with your review! I read it immediately after the last surprise post to continue the high..
And then..as I have allready reread all the Sweep books and the Edge books and the Kinsman books and and (I think you get the picture) I started to reread all Jennifer Estep’s books.
I have to survive till the next installment…hopefully in not to many hours????
I haven’t actually read your review because I don’t like reading reviews before starting a book. But the blurb itself makes it sound so interesting! Thank you for the recommendation!
oooo, It’s been awhile since I’ve read anything by Jennifer Estep. I really loved her Elemental Assassin series and Black Blade and Mythos Academy and
Guess it’s time to go check out her latest.
So you are part of Jennifer Estep’s book devouring horde (BDH0…he he he
Oh yea, a lip smacking glutton I am. I’m a little over half way though it at the moment. I had to take a break to get some sleep though. On the up hand, a yummy little feast to continue snacking on when it once again time to rise.
And since its Friday, a marvelous desert awaits in the form of the next segment in the latest Innkeeper.
Oh yea, today is serving up a fabulous buffet of eats. mmm
Definitely happy with OBO! Must stop reading at the halfway mark, or suffer at 6am tomorrow.
Ilona it’s so funny to see you reacting this way, had to chuckle as it kinda reminds me of the BDH.
Glad there is something you enjoy reading as much as we enjoy reading yours.
Thank you so much for the recommendation and the review, I always love the books you recommend. It is definitely your turn to pester an author for a sequel. You have definitely earned it after what we put you through.????
Catnip Genre is a wonderful concept and this is one of mine as well.
Read an excerpt after you mentioned the book and ordered it directly afterwards- so thank you for sharing it with us.
Glad you got to enjoy the same kind of great book reading session that got delayed because you worked on Ruby Fever and Innkeeper which we got/get to enjoy.
Only work got in the way and I had to come up with the strength of will too to not read a whole night- but the weekend is near.
And it is also FrInnday today, so yay!
I read it last night. I read all her stuff. I am looking forward to more of this and her other new series
It brings to mind Jessie Mihalik to me. I love her stuff too. For me, romance is secondary in a book. There has to be adventure, and usually a body count.
+1
Same here.
I found Jennifer Estep on your recommendation! Thank you! This book is so good. Just finished it on a train from London to York! I can’t wait for the follow up!
bought a copy, which I am saving for next weekend. my sister is going to read it with KU. cannot wait! thanks for the recommendation ❤️
I bought this book based on this post and I’m having a hard time working today because I NEED to finish it. I started it last night. Dang work! I shoulda took today off. It’s a really good story and now I have another author to obsess over.
oh this sounds great! right up my street – I’ll check it out definitely.
Just finished it. Several allusions to Sarah Mass (each series in fact) and Healer (James Bond reference) is not just a seer, but a sensate. Like Julie.
Fingers crossed your pestering has a catalytic effect. I am definitely ready for more!
Thanks for the recommendation.
You sold your friend a book, and i loved it.
Thank you!
Thanks for the recommendation.
I read the review, then I purchased the book it was fantastic.
I loved it, thank you so much Ilona
I finished OBO last night, I loved it! the characters, action, setting changes, I feel excited for the sequel. I love how smart Vesper is.
Jennifer, thank you for your work, it was wonderful.
IA, thank you for suggesting this book.
ok fine. if you are this excited about it, then i suppose i’ll have to read it now. geez. twist my arm why dontcha? lol *clicks over to kindle app*
In have started reading it and so far, so good. Glad my Kindle battery ran low, otherwise I would have been up much too late.
I enjoy her books so I am looking forward to this! I will need to check Audible too.
I read this at your recommendation and really enjoyed it. I am also now waiting impatiently for the next book. It’s an excellent filler for the BDH while waiting for the next Ilona Andrews release. I would sort of describe it as sort of Hidden Legacy in space.
My paycheck is already crying at the sheer number of books I will be getting as soon as I give her other series’ a chance.
Thank you for the hook-up. Off to get the first books.
You had me at competence porn (of which HA is the supreme ruler)! Going to buy it now…,
This. Ok was so awesome! It was on my pre order list and I was dancing all Tuesday reading it. Once I finished I was thinking to myself, I need to do another read through and that is what this weekend is for.
Well, I downloaded the free sample. Bought the book. Stayed up all night reading. And now I am in the same place as Ilona – “need sequel now!”
Loved the book – so wish I had the next. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Uh oh, my finger slipped and hit instabuy. Oh no, I guess I’ll have to read this book over the weekend ????
I need the sequel too!! Really hope that nagging works as I can’t wait to devour the next book in this series! ^-^ It was a lot of fun! I’m on a bit of a high after having finished it just now too!
Thanks for your excellent example of adulting
#belikeIlona
Thank you, I am listening to the book right now.
This is the second book you have recommended that I have read or listened to and am very happy with both selections.
I got the book based on your opening paragraph and it was wonderful!! I can’t wait to read more of her work. Thank you so much
Your review convinced me to check it out. When I went to Amazon they had a deal with the Audiobook available for $1.99 with purchase of the Kindle version: too good to pass up.
Not a bad book, I listened with interest to the end. It is not as engaging as the Spider series, but hell, it is a good start of new one. I was a little anxious about the romance, but author thankfully stays light on that one. I would say about 4/5 stars.
Just picked it up late Friday. Now Hubby has a copy and he’s into it. It’s so good!
Thank you, Hubby and I’ve been a little lost after Ruby Fever. You should have seen his face when he found out it was the last Baylor book for now.
He’s a software engineer, but he can also fix anything. He’s hooked on this story and reading it almost as fast as I am. We might be picking up more of her work after this.
Again, thank you!
I’ve been a fan of Jennifer’s books for a while. I started based on Ilona’s recommendation, but then got truly hooked by the opening lines from Kill the Queen, which was the first in her Crown of Shards series: “The day of the royal massacre started out like any other. With me doing something completely, utterly useless.” How can you not keep reading after that?
So I was amused to read recently in her blog that she likes coming up with great opening lines. (Go to the blog page of her website, and then search in that page for “opening line”.) And Only Bad Options starts out with a great opening too: “Sometimes in life, you have only bad options.” Luckily for the heroine – and the hero – they seem to do pretty well even with only bad options…
Glad Ilona is “encouraging” the next book in the series – I’ll be impatiently waiting as well!
Oh, and pleased to see that as of right now, it’s Amazon’s #1 New Release in Space Opera Science Fiction…congrats to Jennifer!
I love Jennifer Estep. I read this book today and am jonesing for more. always looking for recommendations. thank you!
No, no, no! I refuse to read this post! Last time I read your comments about a book (The other side of the grave, Jeanine Frost) I ended up reading it, of course. And then buying -in order, mind- ALL other books in the same collection because you know, now that I read the first I need the sequel…
Oh, damn, too late. I’ve read it. Here we go again… (big smile)
Bought it read it ,based on your recommendation,now finished…
Loved it
when is the sequel comming out lol?
Only Bad Options is terrific in audiobook. I devoured it in 2 days and can’t wait for a sequel. Thanks so much for the rec — I might have missed it otherwise.
Blew through it on Sunday, had a truly crap day yesterday and re-read it yesterday afternoon/evening–which gave me a chance to catch the finger flick.
Thank you for the rec! I am looking forward to further competence porn suggestions.
PS–Love IA Fan Girl, AKA Adulting Queen. It reminds me that I have found my people in the BDH.
absolutely wonderful book! thank you for recommending this!❤❤❤
Loved the book! And now I want the next one….now. Sigh. I have been waiting for this book to come out, as Jennifer is one of 10 authors I follow.