I am here for the spicy space operas and Calamity features this group crew, intergalactic powerful families we hate, and a tender heart. The first book from Bramble, a new imprint from Tor Publishing, I am so invested in both the imprint and the series. Sign me up Temperance! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
She’s got a ramshackle spaceship, a misfit crew, and a big problem with its sexy newest member…
Temperance Reed, banished from the wealthy and dangerous Fifteen Families, just wants to keep her crew together after their feckless captain ran off with the intern. But she’s drowning in debt and revolutionary new engine technology is about to make her beloved ship obsolete.
Enter Arcadio Escajeda. Second child of the terrifying Escajeda Family, he’s the thorn in Temper’s side as they’re sent off on a scouting mission on the backwater desert planet of Herschel 2. They throw sparks every time they meet but Temper’s suspicions of his ulterior motives only serve to fuel the flames between them.
Despite volcanic eruptions, secret cultists, and deadly galactic fighters, the greatest threat on this mission may be to Temper’s heart.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Okay let me discuss the first thing I loved which was the world. I love not only the idea of corrupt intergalactic families, but also an exile from this world of privilege. Meet Temperance. At the beginning we aren’t sure why she’s been exiled, but her exile and when one will ‘take a stand’ are a theme of Calamity which I enjoyed watching developing. It’s a theme that’s reflected through a few different characters as their motivations and ambitions are all tested. Secondly, the romance and spice was fabulous.
With the past experiences of heartbreak, Temperance is unsure if she should give in to her feelings and the chemistry. But we love a good stoic, full of banter, protective love interest. Calamity is about figuring out leadership, about seeing her own strengths and testing out this new found family (which is beyond precious). It’s also a book that asks us to see the silver lining, the powerful love and passion, and the disruptive change that has to happen to be a calamity.
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In Calamity who will turn out to be expendable? It’s a study in figuring out what we will do to get what we want, who we will determine is an apt sacrifice. Find Calamity on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, & Blackwells.