MIssion to Mahjundar by Veronica Scott Series: The Sectors #2
on August 15, 2014
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Pages: 298
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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An attempted assassination left Princess Shalira blind as a child and, now that she’s of marriageable age, her prospects are not good because of her disability. She’s resigned herself to an arranged marriage rather than face life under the thumb of her cold stepmother. But then she meets Mike Varone, a Sectors Special Forces officer sent to Mahjundar by the intergalactic government to retrieve a ship lost in her planet’s mountains. After Mike saves Shalira from another assassination attempt, she arranges for him to escort her across the planet to her future husband. She’s already falling hard for the deadly offworlder and knows she should deny herself the temptation he represents, but taking Mike along to protect her is the only way she’ll live long enough to escape her ruthless stepmother.
Mike, for his part, resists his growing attraction to the princess; he has a mission on this planet and rescuing the vulnerable but brave princess isn’t it. No matter how much he wishes it could be.
But what should have been an easy trek through Mahjundar’s peaceful lands swiftly turns into an ambush with danger around every turn. Shalira’s marriage begins to seem less like an arranged union and more like yet another planned assassination. The more they work together to survive, the harder it becomes to stop themselves from falling in love. Caught in a race against time, can they escape the hostile forces hunting them and make it off the planet?
This second of The Sectors series introduces yet another culture and mission in a standalone series tale that takes place planet-side, in action adventure more than sci-fi. A blind heroine trying to stay alive and a pair of special forces guys on a mission have the adventure of their lives and I was glad to give it a go.
Mike and his cousin were supposed to be retired, but got called back for one more planet-side mission. It is supposed to be rather easy since the locals have given them permission to locate the crash of one of their military ships, but instead, the empire is in flux with the old emperor dying and the princess is in danger from the new regime. She is also blind and a low level mystic. From there, things get interesting and in a cross between Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Mayan rituals, activities, and settings, all without the use of Sector’s tech as Mike and his team try to get the princess to her bridegroom alive and Mike tries hard to remember she is promised to another because the first time ever he is drawn to a woman- a woman whom he admires for pressing onward in spite of her blindness.
Mission to Mahjundar is the second in the series, but standalones strongly. I found the blend of ancient earth civilization with a low tech sci-fi moderately interesting. I was not as riveted as I was with the other stories in the series I’ve read so far. I liked both main characters and the action scenes were exciting, but never quite got settled into the story. I found the second half when they crossed into the other culture lands and situation to be that one step too far, I think. Perhaps I was in the mood for more sci-fi than I got. I notice that the next books in the series take things back to space and I’m relieved to see it.
Again, this wasn’t a terrible book, but just so-so for grabbing me. I think those who want an easy slip into sci-fi might actually find this a good bet since it’s not a sci-fi loaded sci-fi, if you get my meaning. Think fantasy adventure, rather. There seems to be a bit of both in this series and I’ve been enjoying each entry so definitely recommend it be taken for a spin.
About Veronica Scott
USA Today Best Selling Science Fiction & Paranormal Romance author.
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
MISC FACTS ABOUT VERONICA
Seven time winner ~ SFR Galaxy Award
Proud recipient ~ NASA Exceptional Service Medal but must hasten to add the honor was not for her romantic fiction!
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – I’ll improve your process (mwahahahaa)!
Elvis Presley’s best friend once serenaded Veronica on a local TV telethon…now that could be a novel…
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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great review. i like it a lot when a book can stand alone, seeing i never know if i will finish the series. hope you enjoy the next one.
Definitely one of the big draws to this series is being able to pick up nearly any of the books and start there. I’ve enjoyed each book so far though some more than others. 🙂
Sorry that this one didn’t grab you like the others in the series. It sounds like the characters were well done.
Yeah, I think it felt too much like the one before it and not as much sci-fi. I did love the characters and the action sequences. I’ve already read the next book and loved it so I’m still excited about the series.
Oh too bad it wasn’t a bit more for this one
Yes, but fortunately the next one was fabulous. It happens in series. 🙂
It does seem like an original story line. It’s hard to review books that are just okay. Nothing to really dislike just not something that knocks your socks off.
Yes, it is, Rachel. What to say beyond I liked it, but didn’t love it. 😉
Nice review, Sophia. I hope the rest of the series continues to hold your interest.
Thanks, Wendy! Yes, I’ve already read the next one and it was good stuff. 🙂